2004 XC90

BILLY XC90 · Post by **BILLY XC90** » 17 Mar 2008, 18:50

i purchased my xc90 in December with 70,000 miles and was totally happy with almost everything. I needed to repalce the front brake calipers and rotors as well the right front strut plate was making noises so I replaced that.
I am living in Canada so it is very cold here at nightb in the winter. I found it strange that I get no power to the radio or CD player until the car warms up for about 10 to 15 minutes. Has anybody else experienced this?
The next issue I am finding is the rear tailgate lower half won't open noW. It appears the catch won't disengage on the left side.
And as of testerday I have a message on my message center telling me to "service transmission urgent".
I checked the fluid level on the dip stick and it appeared dry. I see no indication of any leaking under neath. I out a litre in the vehical and now it shows full, however the message remains on
I am worried what I will hear when I take it in to the Volvo repair center. Is it possible the fix is simple and i won't here I need to replace the whole transmission?
Is there any way I can test it myself and then reset the message?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Mar 2008, 19:40

Billy, first of all, welcome to MVS.
I don't know of any real test for the transmission, and they ARE finicky. Being an '04, you probably could get the codes read at most auto parts stores with their scan tool and they can probably reset the code (and the message may go out) but if the issue is real (and it is if you had to add a liter) then it will come right back. You really must get this looked at, despite the consequences. You say you added a liter. I certainly hope you added the correct fluid or you may be doing more harm to your car than you know. Your Volvo takes ONLY Mobil-3309 compliant ATF. Anything else and you drive it, you might be truly kissing your transmission good bye. Here is a list of compliant fluids:

By the way, you do know that you're suppose to check the fluid level after the car is totally warmed up (cold reading after at least 10 minutes, and the more accurate "hot" reading after highway speed driving for at least 20 minutes), and it is checked in the "P" (park position) with the motor running, after you've run through all of your gears for at 10 or more seconds (foot on the brake). If you just went out to your car with the car cold, the fluid level would have read very low and that would be normal (though a dry dipstick certainly isn't).

Now, back on topic. If you added the wrong fluid (Double check your owner's manual), then I suggest a full flush with the correct fluid before you take it in to the dealer, as I can only imagine that any big trouble with your transmission, they are certainly going to blame you and if it was under warranty, that's blown too (despite your good intentions, and the problem occurring prior to your actions). Sorry to sound so negative, but I've seen this time and time again and so I'm just trying to be real about a potentially serious issue.

BILLY XC90 · Post by **BILLY XC90** » 17 Mar 2008, 20:19

Thankyou for youi response and yes I checked all of the levels at the proper temperatures. The manual actually suggests Dextron 111 G
transmission oil so i poured a pint of this in.
Strangely enough I left the vehical parked for today and when I started it up tonight the warning was gone. The fluid level is up and clean after driving the car for 20 minutes.
I suppose I am kidding myself if I think the problem is solved so I will take your advise and flush the system and confirm I have the correct fluid.
Heres to the luck of the Irish