Has anyone actually had issues after a gearbox service?

[rxtian]

Hi everyone.

My 2015 V60 D4 Auto (70k miles) isn’t as smooth as it used to be (probably highlighted because I also drive my dads 2018 with only 20k miles on it). I’ve booked it in for a gearbox service along with its normal annual service but this seemed to be against the will of the dealer… They say they have seen problems caused by doing a gearbox service including on the 8 speed but tbh I got the feeling I was being told hearsay at best…

I called another main dealer and an indi Volvo place and was given the same impression - it causes problems apparently. They seemed to know this without even being sure which gearbox I had…

I’ve found a couple of threads from people on here who have serviced the 8 speed and had fantastic results - has anyone actually had an issue after the gearbox service on this box?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by rxtian

Hi everyone.

My 2015 V60 D4 Auto (70k miles) isn’t as smooth as it used to be (probably highlighted because I also drive my dads 2018 with only 20k miles on it). I’ve booked it in for a gearbox service along with its normal annual service but this seemed to be against the will of the dealer… They say they have seen problems caused by doing a gearbox service including on the 8 speed but tbh I got the feeling I was being told hearsay at best…

I called another main dealer and an indi Volvo place and was given the same impression - it causes problems apparently. They seemed to know this without even being sure which gearbox I had…

I’ve found a couple of threads from people on here who have serviced the 8 speed and had fantastic results - has anyone actually had an issue after the gearbox service on this box?

I can’t comment on the 8 speed in particular, but gearbox servicing is a good thing. If there’s nothing wrong with the transmission internally, a fluid change won’t harm it. If anything, it will prolong its life. Now, if there’s a serious issue with the transmission, fluid changes won’t make a bit of difference. Sounds like yours just needs a fluid change… I’d go for it.

The most important thing is the correct transmission fluid is used. This is vitally important.

[rxtian]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

The most important thing is the correct transmission fluid is used. This is vitally important.

Totally agree - hence why I want it done at the dealer.

I’ve just been a bit spooked by their reluctance so was wondering if anyone had experienced it causing an issue?

Obviously I’d be happy to hear from others who have seen the benefit too!

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by rxtian

Totally agree - hence why I want it done at the dealer.

I’ve just been a bit spooked by their reluctance so was wondering if anyone had experienced it causing an issue?

Obviously I’d be happy to hear from others who have seen the benefit too!

I've had first hand experience of this, albeit on a 6 speed transmission. I phoned my local dealership (Lookers) and enquired about a transmission service. They told me there was no need to do it, as the transmission was "sealed for life". So there was definitely a reluctance from them too. That's maybe not what they told you, but I bet that's what they were thinking. I did read the owner's manual and it does say in there that the fluid only needs to be changed if the vehicle is used as a taxi, tows or in "arduous" conditions. To me though, never changing the fluid in the transmission is like never changing the engine oil... it makes no sense. All fluids degrade and need changing at some point, regardless of whether the car is a taxi or not, or if it tows or not.

It appears some dealerships offer transmission servicing and some don't, which seems very odd to me. I wouldn't worry too much though... a fluid change is definitely the right thing to do. If it was a car with high mileage and no records of ever having a transmission service, I'd leave it well alone. As yours only has 70k on it, I can't see how it would do any harm.

[rxtian]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

. They told me there was no need to do it, as the transmission was "sealed for life". So there was definitely a reluctance from them too. That's maybe not what they told you, but I bet that's what they were thinking.

I left it out of the OP to try and focus on seeing if there was any real experience of it causing issues, but thats pretty much exactly what they told me when I asked last year… it became a bit of a weird saga as I emailed Volvo directly asking for their recommendation. An apparently well intentioned customer service agent just ended up calling the dealer again and asking them?! It appears that some training has happened between then and now as the dealer this time admitted that it’s recommended for arduous use but still insisted that’s it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

They justified this by explaining the valve body gets leaky and grungy old fluid doesn’t leak as much. In my opinion leaving fluid gradually filling with abrasives in there is going to lead to a leaky valve body! That aligns with your opinion that doing it earlyish is far lower risk than waiting for the damage to occur

[GrahamBrown1]

I have also come across this from my local main dealer saying it causes nothing but problems and they wouldn’t do it point blank.

I just don’t get it, changing oil is money for old rope providing it’s done correctly with the correct oil.

Do you really want a dealer doing it when the guy doing it has probably never done it as it’s apparently not standard practise.

Find a good experienced Volvo specialist and I’m sure they won’t have any issues. There is a good video on YouTube from Horton cars who are a Volvo specialist talking about transmission servicing. He makes good money doing it from a garage owners perspective and customers are happy.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by rxtian

I left it out of the OP to try and focus on seeing if there was any real experience of it causing issues, but thats pretty much exactly what they told me when I asked last year… it became a bit of a weird saga as I emailed Volvo directly asking for their recommendation. An apparently well intentioned customer service agent just ended up calling the dealer again and asking them?! It appears that some training has happened between then and now as the dealer this time admitted that it’s recommended for arduous use but still insisted that’s it’s more trouble than it’s worth.

They justified this by explaining the valve body gets leaky and grungy old fluid doesn’t leak as much. In my opinion leaving fluid gradually filling with abrasives in there is going to lead to a leaky valve body! That aligns with your opinion that doing it earlyish is far lower risk than waiting for the damage to occur

I don't think a fluid change will cause problems, just being honest. I highly doubt you'll get responses saying "I changed the fluid and had nothing but trouble", but we'll see.

If a transmission has issues after a fluid change, its not the fluid. The transmission had an issue before the fluid was changed. Its like having a punctured tyre... putting air in it won't solve the puncture. Same with the transmission... if there's a major internal issue, fluid won't do anything (Although, its the cheapest thing to start with, as opposed for going for a rebuild/repair straight away).

The only time I don't recommend fluid changes personally is if a vehicle has really high mileage with no record of transmission servicing being done in its life. Changing the fluid when it has never been done before can cause issues, but that's not the case for you because your car only has 70k on it.

Going forward, Graham above has offered sound advice. Find a gearbox specialist or independent Volvo specialist to do fluid changes in future. There shouldn't be a need to e-mail Volvo to complain... they should simply do the job you request when they can do it. They (independents and gearbox specialists) generally appreciate your custom. Whereas, most dealerships don't give a hoot and would rather do the jobs that make them more money.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by rxtian

Totally agree - hence why I want it done at the dealer.

I’ve just been a bit spooked by their reluctance so was wondering if anyone had experienced it causing an issue?

Obviously I’d be happy to hear from others who have seen the benefit too!

That is utter nonsense they are telling you. They probably wont make enough money from you that's the reason ,they will make more money doing a 36000 service in the same time. You should report them to volvo Headquarters. The standard time for changing the auto oil on the 8 speed gearbox in 48 minutes ( 66 minutes for the 6 speed )

I and other colleagues in several volvo dealers have done many many Volvo auto gearbox oil changes working on a professional basis over many decades going right back to the Borg Warner 35 gearbox right up to the current 8 speed and never has there been a "Problem" in fact there has often been favourable feedback from the customers. Ask them exactly what problems they have had when changing auto gearbox oil and you will see them struggling to find the words to tell you and be firm and Tell them to get on with it. Another point always make sure the gearbox on the post 1990 electronic gearbox control unit has the latest software that makes a noticeable improvement , there was a major one about 2013.
You know whether your gearbox has a problem or not, its pretty obvious to the driver !