I have the bulk of the service history on my 98 S70 GLT (see prior posts regarding S70 vs 850 T5).

Anyway I discovered some key milestones like timing belt ~ 70k miles, coolant fill & flush, etc.

However there is no history regarding the transmission (car has 109K miles, single owner). It has been primarily maintained at the dealer, including oil changes. It could be they had it serviced elsewhere but I doubt it. I called the dealership & he correctly pointed out that Volvo does not recommend a trans fluid change interval! I am astounded, just says to check it every 10K miles.

It runs fine now, but I would like oppinions on getting the tranny flushed & filled. The fluid looks a light brown color, does not have a burnt smell to it.

On a Chevy Lumina I was advised to just drive it after the tranny had not been changed from 60K to 140K miles. It started to slip and a knowledgeable shop said they had seen fluid changes kill transmissions that were not well maintained.

So... I am guessing my best step is to get it flushed regardless if it has never been done.

Your thoughts?

Thanks,

Mike

(PO of 1988 245, 250K miles; possibly an organ donor, 1998 S70 GLT 109K miles)
--
1988 245, 245K mi, 5 speed

By all means change the fluid. Run it for a couple months, and then consider changing it again, only this time use a good synthetic ATF. I recommend AMSOIL (maybe because I've been using and selling the stuff for almost 30 years, and know how good it is)

Buy a case of tranny fluid at the auto parts store and do it now! It only takes 30 minutes and you don't need a jack. Just collect 3 plastic gallon jugs for the used fluid and change it.

Klaus

re: "...[the dealer] ... pointed out that Volvo does not recommend a trans fluid change interval! I am astounded, just says to check it every 10K miles....
The fluid looks a light brown color, does not have a burnt smell to it...."

First of all, the dealer would love to sell you some transmission work another few years down the road -- he has no incentive to help you avert such a job in the future, so why trust him?

And certainly, your fluid is the wrong color -- brown is bad! It means that it has oxidized from heat, etc. It should be flushed!

You can get a flushing kit (basically a hose with the right fittings on the ends) from IPD. And you'll need the right wrenches -- make sure they're flare-nut style, for the safest handling of the line's nuts so you don't "round" them.
Yes, others may suggest cobbling your own hose (instead of paying IPD's price), but I'm not sure how experienced you are (based on your questions, but no offense is meant), so the easiest route is to get IPD's kit. And you'll really feel good seeing the new Cherry Red color of your tranny fluid once you've done it yourself!

Good luck.

Thanks Ken & Klaus,

I am new to the S70, but have done most things to the 245 like timing belt & TAB so a tranny flush shouldn't be too bad.

I had seen IPDs kit in the catalog and will follow your advice.

Ken do you know what size of flared wrenches to get?

Thanks

Mike

--
1988 245, 245K mi, 5 speed

Your '98 S70 calls for a different IPD kit than the one for your 240. At their website:
http://www.ipdusa.com/search.asp?strKeywords=Transmission+Flush+Kit&submit=GO
it shows a clear hose with user-installed fittings (instead of our 240's black hose with permanent fittings).

Anyway, their website,
http://www.ipdusa.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=1051&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1
states that they expect stock by 25 May, so you may be one of the first to use their new FWD/AWD models' kit.

I don't have my daughter's new car here right now (I've only got 240s around the house now), so I can't measure it for you. Sorry.

Your '98 S70 calls for a different IPD kit than the one for your 240. At their website:
http://www.ipdusa.com/search.asp?strKeywords=Transmission+Flush+Kit&submit=GO
it shows a clear hose with user-installed fittings (instead of our 240's black hose with permanent fittings).

Anyway, their website,
http://www.ipdusa.com/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=0&P_ID=1051&strPageHistory=search&numSearchStartRecord=1
states that they expect stock by 25 May, so you may be one of the first to use their new FWD/AWD models' kit.

I don't have my daughter's new car here right now (I've only got 240s around the house now), so I can't measure it for you. Sorry.