A transmission in distress?

[FireFox31]

Is there any way to test for coolant in transmission fluid?

I'm pretty sure that I had the level correct after my first (and only) drain/fill cycle. I've read other threads about coolant leaking in to the transmission fluid. My coolant level has been going down but I attributed that to the loose thermostat coolant hose dripping everywhere. Now that the clamp is tight, I'll keep monitoring my coolant.

[scot850]

If you have coolant leaking into your transmission you should be getting a chocolate sludge in there.

The likely culprit is the radiator, but check the less obvious places like the heater core and pipework, as you don't have a turbo then no turbo coolant hoses to worry about. The only other place would be the oil cooler pancake on the back of the oil pan.

Neil.

[Krons]

While checking the fluid, I found that the battery negative cable is broken where it attaches to the transmission. Could that be causing these transmission problems or my misfire and lean condition?

The attached picture shows the color of my transmission fluid (unknown brand and age) after the first drain. It's compared to new Aisin fluid, of which about 3 Liters was added. When wiping the dipstick on a rag, the fluid appears a decent red.

I'm on the fast track to get my front right axle carrier bearing replaced. Draining the fluid for that is the first step to a full flush.

Bad electrical like your battery cable can cause whacky things on electronic controlled systems.

I had a Saturn with trans shifting issues once. The dealer found a heavily corroded battery cable and replaced it and the battery first. Upon picking it up it shifted exactly the same, so they then replaced a valve to finally fix it...I had a good conversation with the service manager who defended their getting the electrical right first, but apologized they did not finish the job.

Your fluid color definitely indicates it needs a couple drain and fills.

[Matty Moo]

I may be wrong but aren't the 2000 n/a's equipped with the 5-speed auto? I had one briefly about 10 years ago, did a fluid change on it and had to buy a bunch of synthetic trans fluid, not dex/merc.

[FireFox31]

Yes, the 2000 is a 5-speed Aisin AW55-50SN (Volvo calls it AW55-50 LE). After much research, I am planning to replace the fluid with Aisin brand type T-IV fluid, part # ATF-0T4. The manual calls for "Volvo gearbox oil (1161540-8)". Wikipedia and forum posts say this transmission requires JWS 3309 spec fluid. FCP cross references the Aisin T-IV as 1161540 which is in the manual. I also use this fluid in my power steering system since the manual calls for ATF and this is my ATF.

Perhaps if I collect the drained fluid and let it sit for days, I wonder if any coolant would settle out at the top. I really don't think it's frothy or chocolate sludge.

I'll install my good spare negative battery cable and see if anything changes. Then, press on with the fluid change. Nice to change one thing at a time to see if that helps.

[abscate]

Perhaps if I collect the drained fluid and let it sit for days, I wonder if any coolant would settle out at the top. I really don't think it's frothy or chocolate sludge.

If you get more than a trace, like 10mL, of coolant in the ATF it will make a horrible sludge. Its not subtle.

Yes on that battery cable. Reference voltages, grounds are all important on these cars.

Memory - the 1999-2000 might have been bridging years where either the 4 speed or 5 speed AT were installed? Not sure. Jim would know that, Ill ask at the next seance...