I like to just top off the Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Can someone attach a picture of exactly where the transmission cooler hose is?
A red mark pointing to it would help.
Also, any other hints and comments would help.
Thanks for your help.

info:
1997 XK8, 14x,xxx miles, daily driver, engine making grinding noise.
My guess is low transmission fluid.

I did a search and found the quote below.

"
So, I picked up on somebody's idea to fill through trans cooler hose. Guess what? That is SOOO MUCH EASIER.
Just disconnect hose on top of trans fuild cooler (left side of radiator top). Get one of those hose attachment thingies for oil bootles, a funnel or whaever works. I slid a clear tube right over the attachment nipple of the hose and filled the oil in. Obviously it runs downward. Of course make sure you check either make sure you fill in same qty you drained and check level as per procedure specd at bottom fill plug.
"

 

Just adding more fluid could be asking for trouble, as overfilling could cause damage. A grinding noise is not a symptom of low fluid, unless it's near empty. I would try to isolate that sound, as it is more likely the belt tensioner or idler pulley at the front of the engine, even water pump or alternator. Try removing the serpentine belt and running the engine briefly to see if the grinding is still present.

To answer your question, the return line is at the top left of the radiator. But it would be wise to first check the fluid level by removing the fill plug at the right rear corner with the engine running and the transmission at 30-50 deg C and see if fluid dribbles out.

If you do have noise in the transmission area it might be time to pull the pan and filter and see if you have a problem.

 

took a picture of the car.
Is this the transmission cooler hose?
If yes, what is the trick to disconnect it?
I tried by hand, but it's way to tight.

 

For the noise issue.
When I put it in neutral and rev the engine, there is no grinding noise.
When I put it in gear and go uphill or accelerate really fast, then the grinding noise come on. Feels like it's coming from the driver side.

 

Your picture is the wrong end of the engine, that's the fuel line, I believe. The transmission line is on the left side of the RADIATOR. The grinding could be a transmission bearing problem, I suppose. But I don't think adding fluid id going to fix anything.

 

Great, thanks for the quick comment.
Transmission bearing sounds like a big issue.
Do I need to get it serviced by a professional for a full transmission service?

I see the power steering container and coolant lines by the radiator.
I also see one metal type looking line. Can I unscrew this and check for transmission fluid?

 

That is the return line. But there is no way you can measure the fluid level from that.

 

One thing you can do is drain the transmission, inspect the fluid, and carefully measure the volume. I recall it being about 4 qt. without removing the filter. Better yet, remove the pan and filter, look for metal pieces, shavings, put a new filter in an add 6 qts, then check through fill port for correct level. If you do take the pan off, first loosen the fill plug to be sure you can get it out. 8mm hex key with a piece of pipe foe leverage.

 

or maybe just take it to a shop, but they a liable to tell you you need a transmission, at a cost near the market value of a 97.

 

I took it to a shop and they drained and refilled for $110.
Runs much better than before. Still has little grinding noise, but not so much as before.
I am going to ignore it and not lose sleep over it.
Car has got 146K on it now, I will run it till the transmission drops out.

 

There you go. It's already on its way out. Start saving and looking.