I have a 2001 v70 t5 and it has been acting up. The transmission has been changing gears very roughly, and sometimes so hard it feels like I've been rear ended. Also, there is a strange sound coming from the passenger side dashboard, that sounds a little like the CD player is changing songs. Any ideas as to what this could be? It's driving me crazy. Also, any ideas on the transmission? I'm useless with tools but I would like to not have to pay for a whole new transmission. Thanks!

 

Take the car to a service center that you or someone you know trust. Maybe you have a bad mount.

As for the noise under the dash, it could be a vent diverter or some other part going bunkers. I'm not sure.

 

Thanks! Would you recommend a Volvo dealership, or an import car specialist?

 

I would flush out the tranny using the correct Volvo fluid (2309 I think). It is extremely easy to do using the IPD kit or you could do it without it. All you need to do is disconnect the upper trans cooler line on the radiator, insert a clear line into the trans radiator, (3/8 in OD I believe), put the line into a milk jug or marked bucket, run the engine till trans fluid comes out. Simply replace with new fluid what you pump out. have a partner cycle the trans between P, R, D etc. Do this 4-5 times and you should have replaced most of your trans fluid. take the car for a drive, recheck trans fluid level and you're done. I have a 2003 T5 w/154K miles and have done this twice. Very easy.....If that doesn't work I'd try replacing the B4 trans servo cover.

 

May also be software with that model.

 

I'm with CPOMan on doing a tranny fluid flush. The proper fluid is 3309 though (not 2309). I got a case of Mobil 1 3309 for my flush (cost about $7 a quart delivered - you can also get the equivalent fluid from a Toyota dealer for a lot less than Volvo).

That said, I have doubts whether this will fix the problem, though it just might (and is a cheap and easy attempt, and is a good thing to do anyway). If a fluid change doesn't do it, I'm betting it's a shift solenoid going south (they tell the clutches and brakes in the transmission when to engage or disengage). Another possibility is the transmission control computer. I've never dug into my transmission enough to give you any specifics though - I got off easy with just changing the S4 servo cover to fix a second to third gear flare.

 

I recently went thru this problem on a 2001 V70 T5. It was very harsh shifting occasionally. The dealer recommended a new tranny, $5000.00 ..OUCH!However, there was no slipping in any gear and no tranny codes were read. An indie suggested replacing all the solenoids in the valve body along with a good cleaning of the valve body. The service was $800 in parts and labour. The shop was familiar with this servce and had done several other V70s with good success.

One other thing was noticed ; as the temperature outside dropped the problem was a lot less frequent.It's almost like as the tranny oil heats up and the pump can't make enough pressure for a good shift.

good luck