Coolant in Tranny? 2007 XC70

[DennisM]

Fun times.

I had a Transmission Service Required indicator show up on the dash. I took it to a Swede shop and had the VIDA diagnostics run and it comes up as speed sensor, though the speedo has read fine and no fluctuations. I understand that there are no sensors for the transmission, so things like 'low fluid' would not trip the code. The code was reset and of course came back on as soon as I started driving. So, that is problem #1, though the least of my worries. Help with that is welcome.

Because it is apparently 'a thing' with these cars to have coolant leaks into tranny fluid via a leak through the radiator and into the transmission cooler, he suggested testing the fluid. I supervised the testing since we were just chatting anyways. He used a chem-strip method to test the fluid. Unfortunately the test strip color chart tends to run towards brown as a strong indication, but that also happens to be the same color as old transmission fluid, of which I have. Considering the cost of a new radiator, coolant, transmission flush, and possibly throwing in a water-pump/timing kit change since it seems like a timely thing to do while the cooling system is drained, I have decided not to trust the chem strip method. I'm ordering a sample kit to get transmission fluid to send to a lab in Indiana (Blackstone Labs, $28) to be sure of the coolant issue.

What are your opinions of chem strips?
What is the easiest way to get a "clean" sample of fluid for the test? (3oz)
I understand that there is a vertically oriented drain plug on the 5-speed autos that allow you to remove 3 qts of fluid. Is this correct? Can I just use that port to start changing over fluid (after coolant test) to flush out old fluid over time? Say, with each oil change?

As a side note, I see 12 packs of Mobil ATF 3309 on Amazon Prime for $70.45 right now. Assuming nobody steals it off your porch. (Merry Christmas )

Thank you for any constructive help you might have!

Dennis

2007 XC70, 5 Speed Auto, 5cyl Turbo, 140,000 miles.

[Astro14]

Black stone is the best way to get a conclusive result. I use them often. Great service.

If the fluid is contaminated, change it completely via a cooler line flush. Change the radiator for certain. Your Amazon price is decent and saves a trip down to your Toyota dealer for T-IV.

Your call on the WP/TB...

Yes, there is a 22mm bolt that allows draining the fluid. Same crush washer size as the oil drain plug. I drain first, add 3 qts and then run the engine and pump out 2qts via the cooler line, then add 2qts, and repeat until the fluid is nice and clear. Figure on 14, perhaps 16, if the fluid is dirty.

[DennisM]

Cool. Thanks Astro.

Any idea about the speed sensor issue?

[DennisM]

If I end up buying a radiator ( http://www.swedishautoparts.com/XC70...m.html#linkbar ) how do you know if you have Premair or not? Not even sure what it is exactly.

Also, is there a good alternative for Volvo Coolant? Will likely do the timing and water pump at the same time as preventative maintenance.

[hoonk]

drain plug on the 5-speed autos that allow you to remove 3 qts of fluid. Is this correct?

3.5 quarts has drained out of just about every one I have done.

[Leto Atreides II]

Zerex G-05 coolant works for me.

[DennisM]

Cool. Thanks guys.

[Astro14]

3.5 quarts has drained out of just about every one I have done.

That's what I've seen, so if doing a drain and fill, I add back 3.5 and check the level.

But on a flush, with multiple (6 or 7) fill cycles, I err on the side of 0.5 low, so that if I'm off, I've not overfilled. I can always top off.

I should have been more detailed in my explanation.

[Scopeman]

Don't worry about "Premair". It was some coating applied to the outside of the radiator fins to somehow mitigate air pollution??

Do you know if the timing belt was serviced on schedule?

[DennisM]

Ok. That is an interesting one.

No, the timing belt was not serviced. I figure if I need to yank the radiator out, I'd do a water pump timing kit at the same time while the system is drained.