hi. I have a 1989 240 GLE with 202000 km (125000 mi).

does any of you know how much is the max volume of the ATF tank? it seems that the car has a leak or something because I've just checked and it was almost empty (which I think that may explain the fact that while the engine is cold, the gears take very long to shift (sometimes it engages 2nd gear at 3500 rpm, not before!!), and the OD does not engage. as the engine gets warmer, the gears shift more normally and the OD does engage, BUT the light is still on as if it was manually disconnected, and it does not change even if I press the button).

Well, as soon as I noticed that, I ran to a gas station and purchased 1 lt (0.26 gal) of Shell Helix Donax (TG Dexron III i think it was), filled the tank with that, but the ATF level was barely risen (it still showed below the min limit mark). The man at the station told me that these volvos use another ATF, but I dismissed his comment since as far as I remember, we've always purchased Shell ATF for this car (we own this one at home since 1995) and to be honest, I don't think the guys that work at the gas stations here do know too much about volvos... I thought about adding one lt more, but I had the doubt about the maximum volume of the tank.

Shall I fill it until it reaches the lower mark? could that solve the problem of the gear shifting with cold engine?

thanks!

Dexron III is correct. The brand name doesn't matter. Make sure you're checking the fluid level properly. The engine/tranny should be at normal operating temperature, after driving around for at least 20 min. Then stop and run the gear selector in each position PRND1 for a few seconds. Then return it to Park. Check the dipstick while the engine is running. The level should be between the marks on the HOT side of the dipstick. Add Dexron III (or Dexron II) until the level is correct.

ok, thank you very much for your reply.
when first I checked the ATF level the car had been stopped for 4 hours or so, so it was cold. When I checked before adding the bottle I had just driven not more than 10 min. now i'm going to check as you say (never heard about passing the selector for each position before checking the dipstick)