Hello:

I'd try flushing it ASAP-- my first instinct would be to avoid the filter change-- it is far more complicated than flushing and isn't part of Volvo recommended maintance anymore anyhow...

Use the procedure outlined in the FAQ-- basically disconnect the top rad cooler line at the radiator and put an 8ft piece of 3/8 ID hose on the radiator output. Start the car and pump out the nasty old fluid while adding new fluid with a funnel through the dipstick tube. Easy job!

Is the tranny leaking at all around the output shaft? Any discernable play at the output shaft? If the output shaft bushing is worn enough you get some of these kinds of pressure loss problems...

These trannies are pretty robust and yours is pretty low-mile-- did the car ever have a tranny cooler leak where coolant ended up in the trans fluid (strawberry milkshake)?

Good luck!

--
Herb Goltz, London, Ontario, Canada '92 245 w/109K mi