Transmission drain and fill question!

sklater · Post by **sklater** » 13 Jun 2013, 11:04

Hey guys (and gals),

So, I just did a drain and fill on my 2002 s60 transmission at 144,000 miles. (Hint: Buy the type IV ATF fluid from Toyota, not the stuff from Volvo. $6.50 or so a quart at Toyota where it was $23.00 a quart at Volvo for the EXACT SAME FLUID).

Anyways, after the fill, I went out for a 5 minute drive, getting it through all the gears several times, and reverse. Just checked the level again, and it's about 1/2 cm above the max line. My question, it's hard to drain a small amount of fluid at a time from the transmission. You unscrew the drain bolt, and it comes rushing out or nothing at all, no in between. Do you think it's safe to keep it at the level, or should I attempt to drain some out?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **jpr0204** » 13 Jun 2013, 11:21

Hi sklater,

you will have absolutely NO problems whatsoever with it only being a 1/2 cm about the "max" line.

Nothing to worry about...

Just run it for what will hopefully be many miles to come...

- Joe

sklater · Post by **sklater** » 13 Jun 2013, 11:41

I'm just hoping it lasts till I get enough money to get another car. Sorry, I like this s60, but with two kids, and a third on the way, a wee bit tight in the back.

Post by **jpr0204** » 13 Jun 2013, 11:57

Believe me I understand,

With providing for my 3 year old, a little guy due end of next month, and $705 a month for support for my 3 year old I am also over a barrel.

- Joe

Post by **xHeart** » 13 Jun 2013, 12:05

sklater wrote:...
My question, it's hard to drain a small amount of fluid at a time from the transmission. You unscrew the drain bolt, and it comes rushing out or nothing at all, no in between. Do you think it's safe to keep it at the level, or should I attempt to drain some out?

The transmission fluid level check method requires transmission fluid to be HOT, and the engine is idling in Park.

It takes about 20-30 minutes of driving for transmission fluid to get to such a temperature.

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 14 Jun 2013, 13:40

Just to add to xHeart's comment, the transmission fluid expands as it heats up thus if checked cold you will under read the true level.

I would check the level again when hot and then determine whether to drain the difference to the HOT top level or not.

Post by **JRL** » 14 Jun 2013, 13:48

I would do two more drain and fills (which is what you should do) then you'll have totally clean fluid
On the last one out LESS fluid in, run the car until hot, then add slowly until you get to the right fill line.

You also need to have the fluid counters reset, that needs to be done at Volvo or from someone with a VIDA-DICE unit