960 1995 Transmission

kia1228 · Post by **kia1228** » 08 Oct 2009, 20:00

I have a 1995 Volvo 960 and my husband and I was wondering where the Transmission Fluid Dipstick is located, because when we are driving the car jerks and stalls like it is having a hard time getting in gears. At first we thought it was the fuel injector but after we got it fixed the problem still exists. So we went and bought transmission fluid but don't know where to put so please help us to find it. Also it is an Automatic Transmission.

danr960 · Post by **danr960** » 09 Oct 2009, 11:40

The transmission dip stick is located between the brake booster and the engine at the firewall, it is down real low, like my whole are length low, and I am 6'2". It has a yellow color plastic end with a square depression in it, the square is for 3/8" rachet extension.

Before adding any fresh fluid, check the color and odor of the old fluid first. I am willing to bet that the fluid is no longer bright red and is now brownish, and burnt smelling. If that is the case you should have the trans flushed or if handy flush it yourself. Replace the fluid with Mobil 1 synthetic. The reason I think this is because of your description jerkyness, the torque convertor will stick and stay locked when coming to a stop. Using fresh fluid will help greatly with that. Also it is the cheapest first option. If after a few weeks of driving that did not help, then you should get someone to diagnose the lock up solenoid.

Let us know how it turns out.

DanR '94 964 343,000 miles (109,000 on the new engine)

bright · Post by **bright** » 14 Oct 2009, 04:30

Don't feel bad about the dipstick. I've worked on cars as a hobby for 20 years, and I couldn't figure out where mine was on my 960 too. I went to an inde and asked if they had a used unit I could buy. I figured the stub was the yellow thing on the transmission. My engine oil dipstick had undergone a similar fate, so I assumed and was a bit embarrassed.

Post by **billofdurham** » 14 Oct 2009, 12:22

LIT, welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

My father always said, "Never assume, as it only makes an ass out of u and me." Brave to admit it.

Bill.

bright · Post by **bright** » 14 Oct 2009, 17:54

I noticed that you mentioned a Vauxhall in a previous message. I use to live in Glasgow and latter York. No car, even though they were very cheap by American stadards.

How's the weather currently?

Since we are on 960's I have a ATF question that seems unanswered throughout all of the threads.

The glovebox manual says that a Dexron IIID or Dexron E ATF is the fluid of choice. Currently the Dexron series is Dexron IIIM. Is that OK to place in my 960?

Cheers,
Lee

Post by **billofdurham** » 15 Oct 2009, 12:32

How's the weather currently?

Typical Autumn. Damp and cool with occasional ground frosts. The leaves are changing nicely so that is a bonus.

All Dexron products are backwards compatible. Dexron is a GM product and they control the specs very carefully. Put yourself in GM's place. It would be commercial suicide to bring out a new generation Dexron which isn't compatible with prior generations. Think of the adverse publicity this would generate.

Bill.

bright · Post by **bright** » 15 Oct 2009, 16:54

makes absolute sense, but there's this whole Dexron/Merc business as well. Some transmissions use it, for others it is poison. That's what is confusing.

Thanks for the help,
Lee

PS
Glasgow was the worse city for darkness. You could literally go for month without seeing your shadow. I remember the first spring, when the sun appeared and I saw my shadow. It actually made me jump back, as if there was an object getting ready to strike me.

Sad but true...