Keep it or junk it?

[cn90]

- I don't know how your cooler hose came off, but anyway if you need to rebuild the hose using generic Trans Hose from local parts store, the DIY I wrote is from 2013 and my rebuilt hoses are still good. Basically remove the factory crimp, install new generic hose and new clamps: either regular clamps or Oetiker type.

DIY: 1998 S70 GLT Trans Cooler Line Rebuild for $10!
viewtopic.php?t=55794

- Then use Synthetic ATF (instead of regular Dexron-III), drain and fill (info in forum) a few times. Hopefully the synthetic ATF will take care of sticky solenoid.

[Mr. Detail]

Holy cow jimmy57! I just perused that link you sent me with photos. I am handy but not that handy and I don't think I could get that done in one day, even if you were watching over me.
Q1: If left as is, will the bad solenoid (CEL) further damage the transmission?
Q2: If I took this car to the dealer, I can already see the final bill being over $500.00.
Q3: Can a smaller shop/mechanic do this fix?

[FLXC90]

Thanks Jimmy, I knew you had the experience to better answer this. So a solenoid code, not a physical mismatch code. That's (relatively) good news. Sounds like another P80 stays on the road.

OP-yes a trans shop can do this, or a good mechanic. If you have a shop in mind that you have a relationship with, write down the link info to the thread so you can discuss it with them before the work. Or if you have a laptop or tablet take it.

Keep in mind this is routine work for a transmission shop, and most mechanics will refer them the work. Just like you it's a matter of comfort and for them profitability.

[Mr. Detail]

Thanx FLXC90 on that last response. Can you or someone else still answer my question on whether or not leaving the solenoid inside the transmission as is, if it will further damage the transmission?
Also is draining the ATF on my S70 as easy as changing the motor oil?

Thanks again to all!

[cn90]

Replacing the ATF is very very easy, simply drain and fill. You need a 24-mm wrench.

DIY: 1998 V70 Engine Oil Change (& ATF Change): the Easy Way!
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=42989

[Mr. Detail]

Thank you kindly Mr. cn90 for that link. Looks like a total fill is 8.1 quarts. Are you sure it is alright to use "synthetic" ATF here?

[erikv11]

It is definitely OK to use synthetic ATF here, just make sure it is DexIII compatible.

I'm not sure I would use synthetic here simply because the extra expense may not be worth it. The idea is that synthetic might do a better job of flushing out the clogged solenoid. I think you just need to get some miles on with clean fluid. Did the shop already completely change the fluid, is it a nice bright pink now?

I echo that the good news here is that jimmy57 suspects it may be a stuck solenoid. He's a zen master here so I'd be willing to put substantial effort into getting it unstuck. Getting completely fresh trans fluid in there is a good way to do it. Did you try the driving with manual shifting yet?

As for driving on bad solenoids: all the solenoid does is control shifts. As long as you don't drive the car in a way that you are beating on the transmission (towing, racing, overtaxing second gear etc), it is fine to drive it around with a bad solenoid. Car may be limited, but you aren't categorically making it worse by using it.

[FLXC90]

Also, seafoam makes a trans fluid treatment, I might be tempted to run that for a couple hundred miles as an additive (with regular dex III fluid) and then do another drain and fill cycle.

[Mr. Detail]

erikv11, I am not sure what the transmission shop did when they repaired the original problem (blown off trans line).

Per cn90's tip sheet, he states "Add 2.5 qts of Mobil 1ATF, check dipstick, it should be at MAX (cold engine).
However, check the ATF dipstick with engine running and after you have shifted through the gears.
Do this after 3 minutes of engine running. See your owners manual!
You may need to add another 0.5 ---> 1 qt!

I looked online and they said my trans holds a total of 8.1 qts. How do you drain out everything?

If I do the "Seafoam" I plan to buy the real stuff and not make my own.

[wizechatmgr]

You don't drain every drop out as the torque converter will retain a large quantity. Usually you add, drain, add, drain, etc until you come up with the rough capacity of the transmission.