Transmission Flush? 

"JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!" (jqj213) 01/20/2016 at 14:22 • Filed to: Question, C30, Maintenance

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Yesterday I hit 48k miles on the C30. I was wondering if I should start thinking about flushing the transmission fluid. I’ve heard different things from different people about when to flush it. Someone said that Volvo doesn’t even recommend doing it. Is it worth doing around 50k miles?

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 14:27

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Most likely a better idea to drain, replace filter, and refill. I’ve heard too many horror stories involving true flushes.

Future next gen S2000 owner > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 14:29

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Check the owners manual. Follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule.

Needmoargarage > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 14:29

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50k seems really early for a transmission fluid flush. Most modern transmissions go over 100k before requiring any service and some manufacturers actually specify that the original fluid should last the entire life of the vehicle. What does your vehicle’s manual specify?

I have witnessed Jiffy Lube and others suggesting transmission fluid flushes often, but I doubt the veracity of their claims (and/or that they will actually change it with proper fluid.)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 14:32

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Probably as long as they use the right fluid. I can’t seem to find a service schedule in the owner’s manual for maintenance, weirdly enough.

RallyWrench > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 14:33

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We recommend at least a fluid change around 50k, if not a filter as well. Many manufacturers are now retroactively calling for services around then (+/- 10k), since they got sued after “lifetime” filled transmissions failed prematurely. Unfortunately, a flush is the only way to get all the fluid out of a car without a torque converter drain.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/20/2016 at 14:35

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I can’t either.... Which is weird.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 01/20/2016 at 14:40

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Totally. I'm a fan of the drain & fill every 15k or so. Probably wasting some money on fluids, but an ounce of protection...

EL_ULY > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 14:46

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shop-teacher > EL_ULY 01/20/2016 at 15:05

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I’m curious, because I highly value your opinion. Are you saying no because this particular car shouldn’t have it done? Or you saying no in general? I’ve done a drain and refill on my Sierra’s trans every 50k miles. Is a drain OK, but not a flush? Please educate me sir monster of cookies!

EL_ULY > shop-teacher 01/20/2016 at 15:26

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in this case in particular, Volvo says not to do it. We’ve NEVER done a trans flush here and don’t even offer it. Volvo says no. We’ve never run into any issues with high mileage cars on original trans fluid. We have had cars with shifting issues arrive after their, “mechanic said it was due for a flush” though :]

shop-teacher > EL_ULY 01/20/2016 at 15:38

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Gotcha! Thanks for the edumacation :)

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > EL_ULY 01/20/2016 at 15:44

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You were who I was looking for!

So I guess my Volvo friend was right: Volvo even says no!

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 01/20/2016 at 16:19

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It’s probably that same stupid “lifetime fill” thing that BMW does. But if you read the fine print from ZF’s brochure for the transmission, they recommend 80,000 km(49k miles)/8 years for enthusiastic drivers. So you are probably right on time.