1996 Volvo 850 Turbo, Automatic Transmission: I am 99% done with an engine swap, the last thing I need to do is top up the transmission fluid and turn the key. I am a bit confused/worried about how this is done as I have read and done the procedures for flushing the system 2 quarts at a time via the ATF return line hose. This time I drained all ATF before pulling the engine, I would estimate about 4 quarts or so came out. When we separated the torque converter from transmission to replace the pump seal I maybe drained out another quart from the torque converter. Now that everything is back together and installed in the car what would be the proper way to go about safely getting this up to the correct level? Can you pour more than 2 quarts at a time via the dipstick and then just start the car up? Any info here would be greatly appreciated, I don't want to kill my transmission after doing a complete engine swap.
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1996 850 Turbo Sedan OBX turbo back exhaust, brand new 16T turbo upgrade, IPD RIP Kit, Snabb Intake Pipe. SOLD: 1989 240DL B230F w/ 223k miles. Stock, except for some Virgo's and my stereo.

There are no AT experts here or at a dealership. The reason to add 2 quarts at a time when you flush, is because you are flushing 2 quarts at a time. Because you are around 4 quarts low at this point, I would add 3 quarts. The tranny pump runs with engine rpm, so start the engine for a minute or two, shut it down, and check the level on the cold side.

Your tranny will not be hurt if you are 2 quarts low. I suggest not driving it with more than a quart missing - I was down 2 quarts and drove a lot until it got cold out and the torque converter started making terrible noise. The previous owner filled the tranny to the 'full' mark with the engine off and fluid cold!

You could probably do the same as my previous owner. Without starting the engine, fill the tranny with ATF until it gets to the full mark, then add an additional quart of ATF. That should put everything pretty close, then after the engine is running and you have selected every gear for a few seconds, you can check the level with the engine running and top it off.

So long as the pump has enough fluid so it does not cavitate and create foam, you are in good shape.
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My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic

So you're figuring that you're down around 5 quarts.

If I remember correctly, the pan holds about 3.5+ quarts, so you're safe putting at least that much in. I do it every 10,000 miles with my pan drain.

Since you think you may have lost an additional 1-1/2 quarts during the swap, I'd be fine adding another 3/4 quart.

Unless the new engine is a fresh rebuild, why not just start and stop the engine and check the transmission level about every 20 -30 seconds until you are up the to "cold" full level. Then adjust the level from there as the car warms up.
I'll bet the transmission will be fine if even a quart low IF the car is just sitting there idling. Don't drive it with it that low though.

However, all this is said from someone who has no "professional" automatic transmission training or repair experience.

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"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different" - Sharon Craig

Not an automatic transmission expert either but I agree about refillining cold and checking as you go. Makes sense.

This probably goes without saying, but don't overfill it as you can damage the seals. OTOH - If you drive it and the fluid is too low the transmission will slip so stop driving it asap...:)

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95 855 GLT Sportwagon 214k, ex - 90 244 DL 300k