2004 Volvo XC90 Transmission Oil Leak

netasp · Post by **netasp** » 04 May 2015, 06:41

hi guys,
I have a 2004 2.5T XC90 with 193,000KM on it, I started to see a red oil drop, I took it to my mechanic and he said its coming from the transmission. Without lowering the transmission its very difficult to know where the leak is coming from exactly. His opinion is that I won't be affected by this single drop and I can drive it normally, he says that most older XC90s leak from transmission even without visible drops on the ground because of the protective shield underneath it.

I need to hear your second opinion. Should I keep driving it as the transmission is currently very smooth and the car is in excellent condition otherwise.

Thanks

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 04 May 2015, 13:30

I know of someone who drove it this way on their 850 for years because it was not worth it for him to fix it. Just keep an eye on it and I think you should be fine. I would not try any additives or other types of fluids to fix it. only JWS 3309 approved fluid which you can get for cheap at Toyota as their T-IV fluid.

netasp · Post by **netasp** » 05 May 2015, 06:07

Thank you huzzsaba for your reply, it's good to know that. I even tried to search for a used transmission on ebay and it seems to be less than a grand so its not terribly bad but its very much possible the new used trans will start leaking too after few months...

I will keep an eye on it.

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 05 May 2015, 13:54

No problem! Where in Canada are you? In the GTA? I know of a few ex Volvo techs who have their own shops now if you ever need one.

netasp · Post by **netasp** » 05 May 2015, 15:19

Thanks man, I am in Ottawa.
I took the car to another guy for inspection as the first one didn't even put it on the jack, and I will wait for that phone call

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 05 May 2015, 16:00

if its only a drop you are seeing, and the fluid level is pretty much in the same spot, then I would leave it.

I would take the cover off from under and clean up and then monitor where the leak is from. Maybe take a photo and post it here. it could just be the transmission that connects to the radiator. Much simpler than a transmission.

netasp · Post by **netasp** » 06 May 2015, 16:28

I got the car from the garage and they confirmed the leak is coming from the trans itself. They dont on transmissions so they recommended leaving it as is.

I tried to check the trans level but its nearly impossible with all sort of hoses in the way. Would i get a warning message if trans oil gets low?

Also, any idea what is a decent price for used trans? $1000?

Thx

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 06 May 2015, 16:56

Yes leave it as is.

I don't think you will get a message if its low. I would take the bottom engine cover off and leave it for a bit (a week or so). This should give you an idea of how much is leaking.

Meanwhile find the dipstick, and with the engine warm and running on level surface, check the level. I think between min and max level, you only need to top up 200ml of fluid.

there is a intake hose that if removed can make it easier to see and reach the dipstick. its the hose that runs from the intake box to the front of the car and connects to the the frame with 2 10mm bolts.

netasp · Post by **netasp** » 06 May 2015, 17:06

It will only leak after it was driven, about 2 eye drops worth of oil. When parked it doesnt leak.

I will stop worrying about it as there is nothing i can do right now. Should it fail, i will get a used trans and keep driving it.

Thank you

huzzsaba · Post by **huzzsaba** » 06 May 2015, 21:53

I would just keep checking the level once a month and fill as necessary. That may be all it needs for the rest of the car's life.