The Safrane.Info Forum!

Hello all

I have a 1997 Safrane 2.5 20v auto and want to change the gearbox oild and filter, does anybody know where I can get a filter from and if it is a DIY job? I had a look yesterday and I could see a gold plate bolted to the underside of the gearbox and I took this to be the filter, but I read a another forum that you have to strip the gearbox down to get to the filters.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

To be honest I've no idea as I've never done the filter myself. I do believe its under that panel you speak of but I've never done the job (I know, I'm a saff nut and I should have but I've had other hassles with the safrane to worry about). You could post over at volvoforums.org.uk and see what they can advise - it's the volvo 850 engine forum you want - be sure to mention its the AW 4 speed box and someone will be able to help

The only thing I can say about changing the fluid is that there is a sump plug at the bottom of the box that you drain the fluid out of. Make sure you have two large 6L empty water bottles though as you'll need them. The reason I say this is because Ren-Oh give you no measurements - they simply say to replace the fluid with the same amount that came out

When emptying out, catch the fluid in your tray, then empty into one of the empty bottles. Then fill the other bottle with the fresh stuff (Dexron2E or Dexron3) to the same level (ok you could go 1mm higher to allow for loss in the tray etc). Stick a funnel in the end of the ATF dipstick and gradually pour it in nice and gently. Remember, the engine must be OFF.

Once you've done that, you can run the engine (shift through the gears slowly with your foot on the brake a few times) however be warned that this only replaces about 1/2 the ATF that was in the box so you're best off running it around for a week or two to let the ATF circulate and dilute the older sludge before doing the entire process again.

Hi thanks for your help...I will try the Volvo forum but if not I will just change the fluid.

Do you know if it's possible to use one of those siphon kits to get te oil out that way through the dip stick tube?

No I'm afraid I don't but I wouldn't have thought so unless you can find any reference to it on the volvo forums.

Be warned though, there are differences between the safrane and volvo setup. The pipes to the ATF cooler radiator are joined so unlike the volvo version you can't disconnect them seperately and drain/fill at the same time etc. You have to do it the old fashioned way with the ren-oh setup via the sump (at least thats the only way I know of and it works for me!).

If you try it, feel free to let us know how it goes but that would have to be one hell of a strong siphon to suck up that thick sludge / oil from the box.