Hello all, I have just recently purchased my second volvo a 2005 xx70 with 103,000. I noticed immediately that The problem that I have is that shifts normally when first driven, and then shifts harshly when warmed up. These are hard shifts both up and down, but most of the time you notice hard downshifts when coming to a stop. I have seen other talk about this. Where the cause isThe cause is metallic debris and other junk that accumulates in the shift solenoids. There are three. Because these solenoids are electro-magnetic, they attract metal particles inside them and there is no where for it to go once they get junked up. As the unit heats up, the solenoids stick and cause the rough shifting. So my questions has anyone here actually changed the solenoids in the valve body of the transmission? I am fairly handy but sure would like some guidance to this procedure. Any and all help I would appreciate.

 

Welcome to the forum Asamper

 

Hi asamper. I too have just bought a 2005 xc70. I think I'm this model the tranny is better but I have the shift issues after the car sits in stop start traffic for long periods of time. I took it in for a tranny service and the mechanic said, that won't fix it. You need to replace valve body and solenoids. Once you do that you won't have problems. I still got him to do the service and he was right, did not fix the issue. I now have it booked on Monday to do the calve body and solenoids. My car has not thrown any error codes. I will let you know if this fixes the issue. Cost is around $1250. My car has 229k with a complete service history. It drives very well and it hasn't cost me a cent in anything else. So, for me, it's worth fixing rather than let it get worse and in need of a new transmission.

 

Hello!! Thankyou for responding. Please let me know how it goes. I believe I will need to head down that path as well. In my research I have also read that once the valve Body is replaced that the volvo need to go into a relearn mode in order to shift properly. Can you let me know if that is intact what your tranny guy will do as well, again thanks for responding!

 

Will let you know

 

Hi Asamper,

I have similar issue with S60 2.5 AWD 2003. Mine gets hot and starts to flare shift. Other than that the car is bomb proof. Another member Blurt just noted he was able to cure the issue with 150 dollars in Linear Solenoids, I have asked for the procedure, maybe stay tuned. Worth a shot at the cheap fix rather than the 4.5K transmission.

 

Hi guys, had my valve body serviced and solenoids done. Cost was $1100. It's only been 2 days but all seems well. Definitely worth the money if it keeps tranny going. Trans guy said that as long as you keep it serviced I should get another 200k out of it. I suppose you can do it yourself if you have a way of getting it out, find a clean place to do the work and be confident in cleaning all the old tranny fluid out. But in my case I didn't mind spending the $1100 on a car that is otherwise faultless. In case you are wondering I am in Adelaide and the place is called Transtech in the city. It's the type of place I lovr. Crowded no frills workshop with a very knowledgeable owner. Don't expect to find a clean waiting area and a Nespresso machine. Oh, and he does all the adaptation stuff that is required.

 

That is great to hear!! Also about that it should last you that much more. Thanks for responding I'm now trying to look for a good shop. I live in New Jersey. How did I go about deciding on transtech to do the work? Thanks again for the follow up

 

Good morning please let me know what you find out. I'm handy but I think this job might be better off at the shop just because of time and I heard it has to go through that adaptation to relearn.

 

Hi asamper, my brother in law owns a brake and clutch shop. He recommended them. When I went over and talked to the owner I was pressed with his confidence and knowledge of how to resolve the issue. So on those 2 points I decided to go with him. I am heading off for a 600 mile trip today and the city I am heading to is quite congested. So will see how tranny copes with stop start traffic.
I should add that when taking out/getting to Trans, the grommet on the steering column around the firewall was dislodged causing squeaky steering wheel when turning and road noise getting through the gap. I took it back and the fitted it back. All good now