1998 V70 XC transmission fluid level

[scot850]

I know it is best to check the level of the tranny fluid when the fluid is good and hot, on level ground, etc, but in the absence of having time to take the car for a pointless run for 30 minutes to warm through, how accurate is the level on the dip stick when the car is cold (sitting in the garage for 2 days)?

I replaced the radiator recently, and did another tranny flush as I was in there anyway, and know on completion the level of oil was at COLD max. Now when I check it, it is about 4mm above the MAX HOT line when cold.

I have now drained the level back to MAX COLD.

Has anyone ever done a comparison check, or am I the only sad person out there that wonders about this stuff.

Off to nationalise the tranny as it seems to generate extra oil!

Thanks,

Neil.

[bskeels]

when the transmission has sit for a while, some of the fluid does drain back into the pan. You should really check it when it is warm.

[scot850]

Thanks for the help. I realise that, but I still can't believe Volvo spent money putting 'cold' settings on the dip stick for the sake of it. Also, the cold settings are lower, as fluid warms it expands and as you say it will splash about and not drain back the same way. However, Cold, the dip stick indicated the oil was 0.5" ABOVE the COLD MAX mark and above the HOT MAX also.

I'll test it the HOT way when I get the car back warm from my son. Then I may get a better idea of the relationship between the 2. I'll post back when I find out.

Neil.

[rspi]

Hey Neil, with all that you have done, it is real important to check the tranny level correctly. A transmission cost to much to risk.

[scot850]

Agreed! Like I said, as soon as the car gets a decent run I'll check it again when warm. Reason I checked it first is that I am getting new tranny leaks from the cooler lines, and having replaced the seals again I want to make sure it is not over-pressurising. Too little is just as bad as too much (unless it is beer!).

Again, I'll post back on the warm results to close this out.

Thanks for the concern and warning.

Neil.

[SwedishMadeFunBrick]

Lies!

[abscate]

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