Volvo S40 2003

genna · Post by **genna** » 15 Mar 2007, 14:47

Anybody know if there is a dip stick to check the transmission oil.
Also, when should I change this oil?
2003 Volvo S40

Thanx

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 15 Mar 2007, 18:03

Yes there is....use a flash light and look deep and hard below all of your hoses at the front of the car on the driver's side (if you are in the U.S.)...it should have a round yellow handle with a clasp, so you have to push the clasp in from the side before being able to slide it out. I would not let your car go over 60K miles before flushing the fluid. Check out the write up in the data base section for 850/70 series cars...it is no different. Read your owner's manual for the type of fluid- very important....use what is recommended or you may ruin your transmission....it's probably Volvo's own, or (#3309) or Mobil-3309 which can be bought on line for much much cheaper, but make sure...you'll need at least 12 quarts.

genna · Post by **genna** » 15 Mar 2007, 19:40

Thanx

Gerry

chengny · Post by **chengny** » 23 Jul 2009, 02:17

No mention whatsoever in the owners manual of how to check transmission fluid level. Only gives type and capacity.

Found dipstick thanks to this forum and went to check level last night. Now I understand Volvo's reluctance to include this information!

Generally accepted practice is to check trans. fluid level with the engine running and trnasmission in either neutral or park. All the gear shifter points should have been gone through and the fluid should be warm.

OK so far, so good... but when you need to reach your hand down to pull the dipstick out you are in serious danger of having your hand turned into hamburger!

You need to put your fingers within an inch or two of the lefthand side radiator cooling fan in order to grasp the yellow cap. This fan operates only as required, when directed by the PCM. UNfortunately the PCM does not keep you in the loop as to when it is going to start the cooling fan. It could start at any time unless one pulls the leads from the fan motor.

Poor, poor design - and I am sure that the lawyers had them yank any mention of the transmission dipstick from the owners manual for that very reason.