A/T - Coolant Contamination Information
Retailer Technical Journal 16724Coolant contamination in automatic transmissions
Date: 10-8-2008
Reference: VIDA
Note!
If using a printed copy of this Retailer Technical Journal, first check for the latest online version.
NOTE!
THIS DOCUMENT SUPERSEDES THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF RTJ 16724 (TNN 43-48) DATED 4-18-2007. Changes have been made to the cooler and hose replacement guidelines. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR FILES.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
BACKGROUND:
The root cause for some automatic transmission failures is glycol contamination from the engine/transmission cooling system. Severe cases of contamination are easy to detect by a visual inspection. The transmission fluid will have a milky appearance and there may be signs of transmission fluid in the coolant reservoir. Less severe cases are impossible to detect without doing a chemical analysis of the transmission fluid. This slight contamination is easy to overlook and will result in a repeat transmission failure.
A small leak from the cooling system into the transmission can cause driveability problems long before there are any visual signs of contamination.
SYMPTOMS OF COOLANT CONTAMINATION:
The most common symptom of coolant contamination is shudder; a high frequency vibration.
^ On AW55 transmissions, the shudder normally occurs while in torque converter slipping lock-up mode. It is most easily reproduced by driving slightly uphill at about 40 MPH (65KPH) in 4th or 5th gear with light pedal at 122�-158�F (50-70�C) transmission oil temperature.
^ On the GM4T65 transmission, the shudder normally occurs during upshifts.
^ On all transmissions, other symptoms such as harsh shifts, slipping, flare, loss of drive, other DTCs, etc... are possible but not likely.
The Volvo test kit, PN 30783360, will accurately detect even very low levels of glycol contamination in transmission oil. One test kit contains materials to perform 25 tests.
1. Start with a clean test tube. Wash it with a soap solution and the brush which is supplied in the kit.
Use the large pipette to put 5 ml (2 x 2.5 ml) of Volvo A (clear fluid) into the test tube.
2. Add 0.5 ml of the oil to be tested using the small pipette.
3. Add one packet of reagent B (white powder) to the test tube.
4. Screw on the cap & shake the tube until all the powder has dissolved.
5. Place the test tube in hot tap water for 5 minutes.
(A coffee cup full of tap water which has been microwaved for 2 minutes is suitable.)
6. Unscrew the cap and add one packet of reagent C (purple powder) to the test tube.
7. Screw on the cap & shake the tube until all the powder has dissolved.
8. Place the test tube in hot tap water for 20 minutes.
9. A clear (no color) result indicates no glycol contamination.
A purple result indicates glycol contamination.
SERVICE:
If the sample tests positive for glycol, the transmission and cooler will need to be replaced. The cooler hoses will need to be flushed with clean transmission fluid or replaced. For 1999- 2006 S80s and 2003-2005 XC90s with the GM4T65 transmission, replace the radiator, auxiliary cooler (if applicable), and all three cooler hoses in the case of glycol contamination.
In the event of needing to test for coolant contamination as part of a warranty repair, the labor and part description shown above can be used.
Note:
The following kit is also available as an alternative, but not via a Volvo part or tool number. It can be purchased directly from the manufacturer. Each kit includes material to test 10 transmissions.
Nelco Company LLC, Glyt-Tek Test Kit
1047 McKnight Rd S, Saint Paul, MN 55119
Phone: 651.738.2014 Fax: 651.738.9447
E-mail: Cvnelco@aol.com
www.aviceda.com/nelco/index.htm
TESTING FOR GLYCOL CONTAMINATION WITH NELCO GLY-TEK KIT:
1. Let the vehicle sit for several minutes. Using a clean bottle, take a small sample of oil from the sump via the drain plug.
2. Open one vial. Twist the cap while removing it. Do not use the one with the red cap (it is a sample already containing glycol).
3. Using a new syringe, add oil to the vial. The vial should now have about 50% oil, 50% clear liquid.
4. Cap the vial and shake it vigorously for 20 seconds.
5. Remove the cap and let the vial sit until the liquids separate.
6. Remove the red caps from both ends of one glass tube. Note that for the remaining steps (7-12), care must be taken not to allow the crystals or felt plugs from coming out of the tube.
7. Protect your eyes and hands from any small pieces of glass by wrapping the tube in a paper towel. While holding the tube horizontally, break off both ends at the score marks.
8. While holding the tube horizontally, install the rubber bulb onto one end. Twist it while pushing it on.
9. While holding the tube horizontally, slowly squeeze the bulb to remove the majority of the liquid from the crystals.
10. With the bulb squeezed, insert the open end of the tube into the bottom of the vial (through the oil, into the clear liquid).
11. Slowly release the bulb to draw liquid into the tube. Stop when the liquid is just past the top felt plug and remove the bulb. Do not draw liquid into the rubber bulb, as it will need to be kept clean for future tests.
12. Immediately lay the tube down flat and let it sit for exactly 15 minutes.
ANALYZING THE RESULTS:
After the tube has been laying flat for 15 minutes a brown band will have formed in the crystals above the bottom felt plug. A large pink/purple area above this brown band indicates the presence of glycol. A very thin pink/purple band or no color above this brown band shows that the oil is not contaminated.
INFORMATION FOR NELCO GLY-TEK KIT