Vehicle is a 2000 V70 SE with the n/a 2.4L motor and AW5 transmission w/70K miles; maintained scrupulously. ATF has not been flushed since new. Trans has a history of rough downshifting which was finally solved with a dealer software upgrade.

Have followed the BB debates about ATF flushing. This particular AW5 automatic uses "available thru Volvo only" ATF which is very pricey (I still wonder what the commercial market brand name equivalent may be; so far no one can tell me). Service manuals do not have a recommendation for changing / flushing AW5 ATF. Dealer says the fluid is "dirty" (of course it is, doing its job for 70K miles); but stopped short of trying to sell me a ATF flush.

Any comments about preventive maintenance and flushing for the AW 5 or where else to find the right spec ATF?

Thanks

Robert

If your model requires the special fluid from Volvo, I wouldn't even try to use anything else. This OEM fluid is probably at least semi-synthetic.
If you are handy, then get the fluid from the dealer and do it yourself. Otherwise, let the dealer do it.
It is unlikely that the local quicklube shops would have the Volvo fluid unless you made arrangements ahead of time. Same with most shops that have the flush machines.

Sure, the special fluid is pricey. But transmissions aren't exactly cheap, and I regard the change as being inexpensive insurance.

do it yourself and save a bundle. Try volvospeed.com bay 13 for full instructions.

Tranny fluid needs to be refreshed every 25K miles for the traany to last a long time, even though volvo's manual does not mention it.. The fluid deteriorates and looses its lubricating abilities with heat ant time, like motor oil.

I don't know for a 2000 V70, but my '98 does fine with Mercon III ATF.

--
'88 240, '92 745, '98 v70 John, Tampa Bay

If I am correct you can ONLY use a synthetic fluid. Your shifter will have a number 4 next to D

As I understand, there are two ways to flush it: One way uses a machine to remove and replace all the transmission fluid, the other way only drains a portion of the transmission fluid and when you refill, you are mixing new with some of the old fluid. The first method is more expensive, but I use the second method at 25,000 mile intervals with Quaker State synthetic. If you use the first method, you should be able to go longer intervals between replacement. I have about 80,000 miles on the car with no transmission problems and the fluid looks clean.