Technical Articles Search > 10089 Fluid Flush and replacement procedure for TF-80SC 6 speed automatic transmissions

Created on 2011-06-21 by Scott Hart

The TF-80SC 6 speed automatic transmissions started appearing in Volvos in 2006 on the S60R and V70R and it does not have a dipstick and generally speaking it is not user serviceable. The fluid level checking and top off procedure is quite involved and requires that the car be connected to Volvo diagnostic equipment to accurately monitor the transmission fluid temperature during fluid level and and top of procedures.

Below is the fluid level check and Top off Procedure from Volvo.

The stumbling block for the Do-It Yourselfer is the requirement to monitor the trans fluid temp during the process. (see text in red below)

• Oil level, checking and change.
• Warning! Avoid skin contact with the gearbox fluid.
• Use only gearbox oil, Volvo P/N 1161540-8 (1 litre container) or 1161640-6 (4 litre container).

Conditions:

• The difference between the MAX and MIN volumes is 0.2 litres.
• Check the oil temperature in the gearbox.
• At room temperature (+20 °C) the oil level is close to the MIN mark on the "cold area".
• At room temperature (+20 °C) and low oil level the oil barely reaches the dipstick.
• The "cold range" (+40 °C) is reached after approximately 15 minutes idling in the workshop,
  while the "hot range" (+80 °C) is reached after approximately 30 minutes highway driving at an air temperature above +15 °C.
  
• Note! Carry out the check at an oil temperature of +80 °C.
  Go to car communication function group 4. 
  Select the digital display parameter.
  Select the parameter for the gearbox oil temperature.

Preparing to check the oil level:

• Park the car on a level surface.
• Apply the handbrake.
• Apply the foot brake.
• Let the engine idle.
• Move the gear selector lever to position P.
• Move the gear selector through all positions. Wait in each position for approximately 3 seconds
• Move gear selector to position P and wait approximately 2 minutes before checking the oil level.
• The dipstick must be pushed down as far as possible into the dipstick tube.
• Caution! Wipe the dipstick with a nylon cloth or similar. Do not use a cloth which may leave fluff or threads.

Low level (topping up)

• Top up with oil through the dipstick pipe
• Take account of the temperature when topping up with oil. See Preparing to check the oil level .

High level (overfilling)

• Warning! The oil may be very hot if the car has just been driven. Avoid skin contact with the gearbox fluid.
• Warning! The gearbox must not be operated if the oil level is too high. This can cause increased operating temperatures and oil leakage.
• Undo the drain plug.
• Allow some of the oil to drain out and reinstall the plug. Tighten to 40 Nm.
• Check the level taking account of the temperature. See Conditions , Preparing to check the oil level and Move the gear selector through all positions. Wait in each position for approximately 3 seconds .
• The oil can also be sucked out through the dipstick pipe using an oil suction syringe with a narrow gauge hose.
  Note! Strict cleanliness is important.

 

The fluid fill port is shown in the photo below, it is a T55 Torx.

It's accessed by removing the large plastic blanking cover that is located in the area shown near the drivers fender and headlight assy.