Issues after V90 AW30-40 Transmission Service

V90Driver · Post by **V90Driver** » 21 Feb 2013, 18:58

Hey everyone I have a 1998 V90 with about 86000 miles on it. It has the AW30-40 transmission. I recently serviced the transmission and I am having some issues. I don't think the transmission was ever serviced before, not even a drain and fill.

A little while back I noticed the transmission pan was leaking so I dropped it to fix the leak. While I was in there I also cleaned the pan and magnets and replaced the filter. I used a Pro-King gasket/filter kit from Advance Auto. I drained almost 2 quarts out of the pan before removing it and from what I understand there is roughly a quart left in the pan after you drain it, so I figured I lost about 3 quarts and thats what I added back. Right after that I went for a drive and it shifted fine. The next couple of drives several days later the car would not shift past second gear. Now the car is back to shifting and driving pretty smoothly. But it is hesitant to shift into overdrive on heavy throttle and it feels a little busy sometimes when cruising but otherwise its drivable. I attribute all of that to the introduction of fresh fluid after all those miles and years with no service. (The fluid drained was almost black) I know these transmissions can be sensitive, which is why I just did a drain and fill using regular Dexron III ATF.

I can't get the fluid to register anywhere near the HOT section on the dipstick. After doing the proper procedure of driving 15 minutes, stopping and shifting through all the gears, then checking the fluid with the engine on in Park. It barely registers on the COLD section. I'm wondering if somehow it was low to begin with. Does anyone know how much fluid you should lose when dropping the pan and filter on the AW30-40?

Also I am randomly getting a slow clicking noise coming from the transmission area at idle in Park usually after a cold start. I dont remember this noise being there before the service. The noise is inconstant and sometimes cuts out completely. When the noise is present it reacts to the throttle. Any ideas on what that could be? I am guessing a solenoid or the new filter I installed. Is the ATF fluid pumping in Park? Are there any parts moving in the transmission in Park?

Thank you for reading and for any help!

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 21 Feb 2013, 20:51

Maybe the the pump is cavitating due to low fluid level. I'd use the marks on the dipstick.

V90Driver · Post by **V90Driver** » 21 Feb 2013, 21:34

lummert wrote:Maybe the the pump is cavitating due to low fluid level. I'd use the marks on the dipstick.

Thats a good idea on the sound! Yea I guess I should add more fluid that makes the most sense, even though I am putting more in than I took out. So are you saying the pump runs in park?

Thanks for the feedback!

lummert · Post by **lummert** » 21 Feb 2013, 22:22

I'll say that the pump pumps fluid through the cooler at idle.

Post by **precopster** » 21 Feb 2013, 23:20

I can say for a fact that it DOES run when in Park or Neutral. I've done numerous drain & fills on my (ex) 960 by running the fluid out of the cooling pipes leading to the radiator.

I had a garage replace the filter and pan gasket when it was replaced. Recently I placed a Toyota AW-30-41LE in my 960 and sold it to another forum member. You may find this thread of interest: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =2&t=53726

The drain and fill method is far more accurate in that you measure a two quart (or two litre in our case) quantity into a opaque milk container before then topping up with another two quarts once you shut down the engine, then repeat the process five times or so (this will take around 10 or 12 quarts) until fluid is nice and rosy red when draining into the container.

Dropping the pan may only get rid of 2-3 quarts. The capacity of the trans is 7.9 US quarts so you really need to drain & fill to be sure this trans gets clean fluid.
HOWEVER.....I wouldn't start a drain & fill unless the fluid level is at the right level. Unless your dipstick tube has been lengthened by someone it's the most reliable means of knowing how much fluid is in there. Top up & drain & fill....you'll be surprised how dirty the fluid is once you see it in a bottle.

V90Driver · Post by **V90Driver** » 22 Feb 2013, 16:19

Thanks for the info Precopster.

Yea the priority right now is getting the right amount of fluid in there. Its just weird because before I dropped the pan the car was shifting fine. I don't know how long the pan was leaking but I must have lost a quart or more that way. It was leaking maybe 3-5 ml a day when I caught it.

To Lummert, I wanted to report back that after adding fluid the sound has gotten better.