While replacing the knock sensors I broke off the top of the transmission dipstick when I pushed the intake manifold to the side. Attempts to retrieve the dipstick were only pushing it farther into the tube so I decided to remove the tube. As I pulled the tube out the bottom of the dipstick broke and fell into the transmission. I'm not sure how large the piece is, I'm guessing 2 or 3 inches as I can not see any of the fluid level lines or checkering. Will this piece cause a problem in the sump or can I just leave it and buy a new dipstick?

Regardless, you will need a new dipstick. The sump pick up tube has a screen over the end and the plastic should not be sucked up.

You could try to drain the fluid and hope the plastic aligns correctly and flows out of the drain hole, but the odds are pretty slim. Leaving it where it is is a good option. If you drain the fluid, measure the amount that drains and then refill with the same amount.

Thanks Klaus, I was hoping I could leave it alone and I had thought about draining the fluid too. I'll probably do that this morning and hope for the best. When I was underneath I noticed that there appears to be a couple of bolts holding a "cup" like piece on the transmission directly under where the dipstick tube enters. I thought about removing this after draining but could not find a gasket available anywhere. Does it use RTV? Is there enough room to remove this without jacking up the engine and/or transmission. Should I just let well enough alone?This is on a 1994 854T.

I posted your problem on Volvospeed and only one answered. That was to ignore it. I hope we are correct...

A loooong time ago, I found an explosion diagram for the AW50 tranny, but not anymore. Remember, this is a tranny used in a lot of different make cars which have different mounts and electricals. The cover plate, may or may not lead to the sump.

Let's hope the plastic comes out with the ATF. A call to your local transmission repair shop might be in order, just to make sure that the pick up tube doesn't mess with it. The pick up is at the very bottom of the sump.

Try breaking off an inch or so of your current dipstick and toss it into the ATF you poured out and see if it floats or rapidly sinks to the bottom. I would prefer a rapid sink or even float!

A shout to Volvospeed or Matthews volvo site might be in order for more minds to pick.