Where I am, all 960 have blown the ATF cooler inside the radiator. If either much engine coolant gets into the transmission or stays there a long time, you will need a new transmission or rebuild. So do not drive the car and immediately put in a new radiator and throroughly flush the transmission. For the least trouble and expense, go to www.fcpgroton.com to order a new radiator. Make sure it is aluminum and plasticn not all metal. Telephone Nick at the toll free number posted at the website, or email him. He will recommend the most radiator for the least money. He just recommended that I buy a $150 radiator over a $250 one. You may tell him Riverol sent you from Brickboard because he helps many of us at the board. Carefully read Steve Ringlee's 700/900 FAQ here at Brickboard for instructions on how to flush the ATF on the 960. Read the 960 section. Read also about cooling system maintenance at 700/900 FAQ and 960 section, even before you order from Nick. You will want to change all hoses that carry coolant, I repeat all hoses, because not only are they likely old but, worse, they are now contaminated with ATF that destroys them. Order Volvo hoses from Nick, at least those that connect to the the radiator and hot water valve. Get one of these too if the one on the car has been there several years. Carefully inspect coolant reservoir, particularly inlet and outlet for any signs of rusted steel inserts. If in doubt, get a new reservoir. When you flush the transmission, you may want to do it twice, first with regular ATF and then with Mobil 1 ATF. If you flush it only once, be sure to use Mobil 1 ATF. Again, carefully read 700/900 FAQ as regards cooling system maintenance and ATF flush, particularly for 960 cars. Your choices are to read 700/900 FAQ and spend a few hundred dollars preferably with FCPGroton, spend thousands on AT and engine, or junk the car.

HAd the same issue with our 1996 960 two years ago. You need to get your Radiator replaced ASAP or I'm afraid you'll be paying for a new Radiator and new tranny. The transmission coil inside the radiator starts leaking, and thats why you see teh fluid mixing with the coolant in the Coolant Reservoir. Flushing alone is not going to fix your leak.

We changed our radiator after this happened and installed a huge B&M Transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator. This time bypassing the coil inside the new radiator altogether.

Just my 2 cents worth.

1996 960, 104,000 miles.

I had the same thing happen on my 940. A new radiator and transmission fluid flush seemed to fix it, I had no problems with the transmission..

From what I have read on this BBRD, a little water in the transmission goes a long way towards destroying it - and your budget. Do the test that Dick describes ASAP, or just replace the rad anyway. ASAP.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)

Hi ,for a work mate the same thing happened! The radiator failed. BUT, his trani DOES NOT run anymore! It's almost dead, need some 5000-6000 rpm to even feel a little sign of trying to move. So his big problem is not trani fluid in the coolant but water in the trani! Right now I have no report of his workshop repairs. I don't know the US specifications, but his trani as well as mine, are AW 30-43.

-91 960 b6304 121k (195000 km) Patrik, Sweden

The oil cooler in the radiator has most likely sprung a leak. Have had it happen on a 740. To test for sure, remove the radiator. Lay it down face first so the radiator hose and cooler openings are facing up. Fill radiator with as much water as it will hold. Use some compressed air into one of the cooler openings and place a finger over the other hole. You most likely will see bubbles which will indicate a hole in the cooler.

Good luck,

dick