2001 S40 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid

pmondrian · Post by **pmondrian** » 12 Aug 2015, 20:10

I have 180K on my S40 and think it needs a ATF change. Reading the forums here, I have a question:

Is it possible to check thr ATF on a 2001 s40 while the engine is running without having it be on a lift?

The dipstick is under the radiator hose and it appears to be inaccessible from above when the car is running due to both the radiator fans and the heat. Won't you burn yourself if the engine is at normal operating temperature?

Is checking it when the engine is cold good enough?

Thanks for any help!

-tom

Post by **alschnertz** » 13 Aug 2015, 03:48

I don't think it would be practical / possible to access the transmission dipstick while the car is on a lift. So forget about that idea.

The transmission dipstick is not inaccessible. It is in an awful location as you have described. You do have to slide your hand and arm down through all those tight, hot hoses to pull the dipstick. Wear tight fitting gloves and a non-baggy long sleeve shirt and you'll be fine. Note that there is a metal tab retainer that keeps the dipstick from popping out. You must push that metal retainer away some in order to remove the dipstick.

Though you can check the level when cold (still the engine must be running in Park), I would not recommend it. Automatic transmission fluid expands quite a bit as it heats up. And I believe you will get the most accurate reading at full operating temperature. Take the car for half-hour ride on the highway to get it to proper temperature. Just idling in the driveway won't do it.

Be sure you use the proper fluid. There was a misprint in thousands of 2001 S40 owner's manuals that listed Dexron III / Mercon as the transmission fluid. That is incorrect. The proper fluid should be something compatible with Mobil 3309. My '01 was one of the many misprints and I ended up having to flush out the Dexron.

pmondrian · Post by **pmondrian** » 13 Aug 2015, 08:59

Thanks for the reply and the glove recommendation. How do you protect yourself from the radiator fans?

Post by **alschnertz** » 13 Aug 2015, 14:32

pmondrian wrote:How do you protect yourself from the radiator fans?

I don't do anything special other than pay attention. Have good lighting so you can see what's going on in there.

Honestly, I don't see how you can stick your hand into the fan if you're paying attention and know what you're going for. I reach down behind the intercooler hose. And like I said earlier, don't wear baggy clothing when near the fan. Actually, you shouldn't wear baggy clothing when working on any moving machinery.

pmondrian · Post by **pmondrian** » 13 Aug 2015, 14:53

With the engine off, I just checked the atf by putting my arm in between the fans and the hoses. It didn't seem possible to go behind the hose but I will try that next. Thanks.