General: Automatic gearbox oil level check

[ex Triumph Man]

Can anyone tell me if there is an easy way to check the transmission fluid level in my 2011 geartronic XC90 D5? Seems as though Volvo have gone down the same penny pinching route of deleting the dipstick.

Apologies for putting this under general, as I am not familiar with the gearbox codes

[Jim314]

I assume this is the same 6-spd geartronic as in my wife's 2007 XC90 3.2L petrol FWD. In response to my asking at the dealer, a 'service advisor' told me there is no dipstick intended for use by the ordinary operator. He said there is a dipstick underneath at the back of the transaxle intended for use by service personnel only. I have not crawled under to look.

I personally would not attempt to use it if I found it because of concern that it may have a different use procedure than the ATF dipsticks I am used to, e.g., the one in the front of the engine compartment of my 2004 V70 petrol 170 with 5-spd automatic (non-geartronic).

I suppose that if the ATF got low, then a sensing system would trigger a message.

This 6-spd geartronic takes a different ATF than the 5-spd and supposedly it has a very long life. My guess is that it is a full synthetic. The service advisor said that the Volvo ATF for the 6-spd has a stunning price.

[ex Triumph Man]

Thanks Jim. Yes the car is a 6 speed mated to the 185 D5 engine.

Your comprehensive reply is appreciated.

[Matt B]

looking to replace my ATF this time when its serviced - any recommendations

[Clan]

Originally Posted by ex Triumph Man

Can anyone tell me if there is an easy way to check the transmission fluid level in my 2011 geartronic XC90 D5? Seems as though Volvo have gone down the same penny pinching route of deleting the dipstick.

Apologies for putting this under general, as I am not familiar with the gearbox codes

No not easy anyway! but if the gearbox is dry as they all are , then you wont have lost any oil , thats the only way the oil level will fall , if you have a leak and that is SO rare ..

The filling and level checking proceedure is quite complicated but you dont need to worry about it as long and the underside of the gearbox is dry ..

[Jim314]

Originally Posted by Matt B

looking to replace my ATF this time when its serviced - any recommendations

I suppose a '55 plate XC90 G'tronic 185' is a 2005 model year and has an Aisin AW 5-spd automatic? And I suppose the transmission dipstick is yellow plastic low in the front of the engine compartment? If this is true and this transmission takes the same ATF as the 5-spd in the V70s, then the fluid could be up for replacement.

Check the V70 forums for discussions of this procedure. I wimped out and had the fluid changed on my 2004 V70 at my Volvo dealer for $US 350. Volvo do not give a recommended time or distance interval for changing the ATF, but the experience of many seems to be that this is simply not a lifetime fill.

[Matt B]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, no its the 6 speed auto box.

Matt

[Jim314]

Originally Posted by Matt B

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, no its the 6 speed auto box.

Matt

Then I suppose it is this transmission: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWTF-80_SC. If so Wikipedia states, 'It utilises a special AW-1 transmission fluid which is labelled as being maintenance free. It has a fluid capacity of 8.0L (8.45qt).'

So unless you have specific indications that the ATF needs replacing, then it might be a needless expense.

[spokoluzik]

to check oil level car needs to be connected to Volvo computer and oil temp. has to be checked.
even if I'll explain you how to do it you can not do it by yourself.
if really want to know pm me I'll send you guide.

[ex Triumph Man]

Thanks for your reply. Looks as though I will just have to rely on my nearest dealer.