getting full range of flashing lights-EWS,etc...trans seems to not slip, but to need higher PRMs to slip into next gear...Dealership indicates a leak- suspect that its a vaccuum line- where is it??First Volvo out of many I cant check tranny fluid w a stick...help please

I went to Tap plastic and bought a length of square plastic rod. I drilled a small hole to line up with the hole in the yellow cap of the dip stick, and installed a length that extends to the top of the engine. Now I can check the oil at any time without suffering cuts and scrapes trying to reach down there. The concept of a transmission that doesn't need servicing, is just silliness on the part of Volvo.

Hope this rather late answer is still of some use.

There is an easier way (perhaps the intended way) to check ATF level in the B6304 Volvos. The top end of the yellow dipstick is designed to accept a ½ inch drive extension and a long extension with a wobble head would make the operation a piece of cake. Below the said receptacle are four ears or petals, for want of a better term. When one of the ears is in line with the retention spring clip on the filler tube, the dipstick is secured in place by the clip. That’s how one wants it to be normally. Rotating the dipstick 45% either way would disengage the dipstick from the clip and it can now be pulled up freely.

The only way to accurately identify a transmission problem is by pulling the error code(s). A couple of years ago I had a similar problem bugging me for months. Replacing the S1 and S2 shift solenoids, as indicated by the codes, solved the problem. I also replaced the PNP switch not because it was at fault but because it was 17 years old and I had an easy way to do it without disconnecting any transmission lines. The physical work is relatively easy. The difficult part is the research to source replacement parts. It would be near impossible to just buy the solenoids from Volvo sources but they are actually made by Rostra and very affordably priced.

Corrigendum:

I meant to say rotating 45 degrees. Sorry for the mistake.

There is a dipstick, but well buried. Look down beside the transmission on the drivers side (left) just behind the engine. The dipstick tube is very short and the handle on the stick is a Yellow plastic.

It is held in place by a spring-loaded clip that presses into a recess on the handle. Pulling it requires a bit of finesse - you push the clip aside with a finger or thumb while pulling up on the stick. There are wiring harnesses and connectors impeding your access; be careful not to disconnect or damage anything. You will probably end up with a few scratches on your wrist, or snagged clothing. It's not user friendly.

I presume you know that the transmission should be at full temperature (minimum 10-mile drive) and you run it through the lever positions before selecting Park, then check with engine idling? There's nothing particularly hot in that area except the heater hoses and you can avoid them.

All that aside, flashing lights and transmission misbehaviour is often due to a problem with the gear position sensor/ PNP switch. See here:

https://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/TransmissionAutoAW30.htm#960AW3040GearPositionSensorSwitchReplacement
--
Bob: Son's XC70, my 83 244DL, 89 745 (Chev LT-1 V8), and 2010 XC60. Also '77 MGB and some old motorcycles