The P2 Volvo S60 has become an excellent option for a daily commuter or a first car. Examples can be found with several different engines, drivetrains, and options for well under the $10,000 mark in good shape. However, they’ll likely have some miles on them, and that increases the chances of a necessary service. Often overlooked is the condition of the automatic transmission fluid. Its condition is critical to the automatic transmission's function, and some fresh fluid will extend the S60’s service life.
The fluid, over time, will break down, become contaminated with clutch material, and lose effectiveness. You’ll begin to experience hesitation, slipping, and hard shifting from the transmission when that happens. Performing a transmission fluid flush is the best way to prevent that from happening. It’s a relatively simple process that shouldn’t take much time, even in your driveway, and can be done with minimal tools.
Volvo Models Applicable
- 2001-2009 Volvo S60 (Automatic)
- 2001-2007 Volvo V70 (Automatic)
- 2001-2007 Volvo XC70 (Automatic)
Symptoms of Bad Volvo Transmission Fluid:
- Slight flare or slip between 2nd and 3rd gear
- Clunky or Hard shifting
- Malfunctioning solenoids
- Transmission Malfunction Codes
What will it cost to drain and fill my P2 Volvo S60 transmission with fresh fluid?
The only parts required for a quick fluid flush are about four liters of fresh automatic transmission fluid and a new drain plug seal. The P2 S60, V70, and XC70 use an Aisin-built automatic transmission that requires its fluid to meet the JWS3309 specification. A single bottle of fluid from Aisin, Pentosin, or Volvo should run you around the $12 mark, assuming none are on sale. The seal is nearly free at about 30¢.
How long will it take to drain and fill my P2 Volvo S60 transmission with fresh fluid?
Performing a drain and fill on your Volvo S60 should take only around half an hour with the right tools. No two situations are ever identical, so your results may vary, but the longest portion of the job, in this case, will be the set-up and breakdown. The drain and fill itself will be the shortest part.
Tools Required To Drain & Fill A P2 Volvo S60 Transmission:
Parts Required To Drain & Fill A P2 Volvo S60 Transmission:
Steps Required To Drain & Fill A P2 Volvo S60 Transmission:
Step 1: Access the Transmission
Before you can think about draining any fluids, you’ll first need to access the transmission. Place a jack under the front of the car and raise it off the ground. Then use a pair of jack stands to secure the car in the air.
Protecting the bottom of every Volvo S60 should be a plastic undertray or splash shield. Use a 12mm socket to remove the tray’s mounting bolts. Be careful as you remove the last bolt; there will be dirt and debris trapped above the tray, and it’ll likely come spilling out as you remove it.
You’ll have full access to the transmission drain plug with the shield out of the way.
Step 2: Drain and Fill the Transmission
First up is locating the drain plug. It’s located towards the back of the transmission, just below where the passenger’s axle meets the differential. Use a 24mm socket to remove the plug. Ensure you have a drain pan at the ready beneath the transmission as fluid will come pouring out.
While the fluid drains, wipe off the drain plug. It’s magnetic to collect errant metallic debris from the fluid, so it’ll likely have debris stuck onto it that you don’t want to contaminate the new oil. Slip-on the new drain plug seal and thread the plug back into the transmission once the fluid has stopped draining. Thread in the plug by hand to prevent any cross-threading, and then use the 24mm socket to torque the plug to 33 ft-lbs.
Next, head into the engine bay to locate the transmission dipstick. The yellow handle should be on the driver’s side of the engine bay, between the air filter box and the engine itself. The dipstick tube is also the fill port, so you’ll be pouring the fluid in there.
Once you’ve located it, remove the tube connecting the air filter box to the shroud around the radiator. Squeeze gently on either end of the tube and pull to remove. Then reach down and pull out the dipstick. It uses a small lock, so pull up on the tab and pull the dipstick from the tube.
With all of that out of the way, insert the funnel into the dipstick tube and pour in the new fluid. Refit the district and intake tube after the new fluid is in.
Step 3: Refit the Undertray
Head back under the car and check the drain plug for any weeping fluid. Then refit the undertray to the chassis. Thread in the bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading before tightening them with a 12mm socket. After that, set the car back onto the ground and take it for a drive around the block.
Open the hood one last time after the trip around the block to check the fluid level. Remove the dipstick and add in fluid if the level is low. Then park the car and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
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