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Transmission oil in the Engine

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

This topic is in the MVS Volvo Repair Database » Volvo Tensioner Whining Noise Fix
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FeelingStupid

Transmission oil in the Engine

Post by FeelingStupid »

8) Okay, here's the deal. I am entirely new to this Volvo ownership LIFESTYLE, however, I made a mistake which will surely mark me for life. I fell in love with my 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo when I got her a month ago.

I performed my first oil change on her and in keeping with my research put 5.3 litres of synthetic oil into the motor. At approximately 4600km (since the oil change) I checked the oil and noticed that the normal half a litre was gone from the motor, so I proceeded to top up the oil with a litre of synthetic oil, thoughtfully bought for me by my girlfriend-WITHOUT CHECKING THE LABEL!!!

This past weekend, I was looking for oil for another oil change that I was doing and noticed this opened bottle of TRANSMISSION FLUID on the oil shelf. I continued about my business until approximately 1 am when I sat up straight in bed in a cold sweat realizing that I hadn't bought any transmission fluid!

The next day, I changed my oil at 4855km (since last oil change) and sure enough, the oil in the motor came out a slight red colour to my horror.

My problem now is that the SERVICE light now comes on for about a minute after starting the car, however, the car runs fine. IF I change the oil at 1500 km for the next two changes, do you think I can get the residue transmission fluid out of the motor....

Stupid, but in love.

Jot
Posts: 593
Joined: 24 January 2005
Year and Model: C30 2010
Location: Orr's Island, Maine

Post by Jot »

The service light is programmed to appear after a specified mileage or time. It takes a special reset tool $200 to turn off the light. Yes it will stay on for about 2 minutes each time you start. I wouldn't worry about the tranny fluid if you have changed the oil.

satchmodog

Post by satchmodog »

I don't know about the 96, but the later model Volvo's can be reset by using the ignition key and the odometer.

White850Turbo
Posts: 923
Joined: 11 April 2004
Year and Model:
Location: Plano, TX

Post by White850Turbo »

Transmission fluid has very good detergent properties and a 1/4 of a quart or so in the crankcase is an old mechanic's trick to clean up carbon and sludge. As long as it doesn't make up more than 10% of what's in the crankcase, you'll be just fine; no worries.
-Sean

1995 850 Turbo (Extensively Modded)

1998 S70 T5 (Almost Stock)

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