A transmission is connected to the back of a car's engine. It sends power from the engine to the wheels and delivers it within certain revolutions per minute (rpm). An engine runs best within a specific rpm range, based on the make and model of the car and its engine. To check the transmission fluid in your 2005 XC90 2.5T Volvo, look for the yellow dipstick under the radiator.
Drive your car for 15 minutes. The car must be warm when you check its transmission.
Park your car but keep it running for another five minutes.
Raise your car's hood. Leave the car running while you check the transmission fluid.
Find the radiator. It's a long black tube on the driver's side. It will be visible.
Look under the radiator for a yellow dipstick. This stick indicates how much transmission fluid is in your car.
Put on gloves to protect your hands from any hot parts. Reach under the radiator and pull out the yellow dipstick.
Wipe all liquid from the stick. Slide the stick back into its hole.
Pull out the stick and see if the transmission fluid on the stick is above or below the proper fill line. If the fluid is close to the fill line, you have enough fluid. If it's lower than the fill line, add fluid.
Insert a funnel into the dipstick hole. Pour in one bottle of transmission fluid if your level was low. Replace the dipstick and lower the hood. Turn off your car.
