You may have this covered, but make sure that the handle of the dipstick is oriented as shown in the manual - ie. as you look down on it, the long dimension of the handle shoudl run front to back:



If it isn't, then the end of the dipstick may travel awkwardly down the tube (I've had it get stuck before), and this may impact on how clean it remains as you pull it up the tube.


--
David Armstrong - '86 240(350k km?), '93 940T(270k km), '89 240(parts source for others) near Toronto

You should be able to see the Owners Manual for your car (if you don't have one) at volvousa.com. Look under "Owner Info" - or go to http://www.volvocars.us/_Tier2/Owners/

Anyway, you check it with car running in Park or Neutral.
Pull the stick and wipe it clean.
Put back in, then pull stick to read it.

2 sides of stick.
One side is for "slightly warm", maybe 10-15 minutes driving.
Other side is for "hot".
Fluid should be somewhere between the marks on the appropriate side of tip.

In fact, "hot" condition does not really exist. One reader/writer on this board measured tranny fluid temp with an infrared thermometer and was not able to drive the car long enough to bring it up to the temperature for the "hot" side of the stick.

Method # 3: COLD engine + transmission
Engine off.
Pull stick + wipe clean. (Wiping clean is important.)
Put back in, then pull stick to read.
There is a notch in the metal, just above the plastic measuring tip.
When cold, fluid should go to the notch.
--
Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute.