I just purchased a used V70 T5 wagon with 101,000. Looks great and drives like a dream. Heck it should be nice compared to my old 93 940 wagon. The only problem I have noticed is that the transmision does a kind of a rumbling thing atbetween 1500-2000 rpm or 3rd and 4th gear when it is downshiftingand thenacelerating again. I know that the transmission has been changed to one with about 30,000 but thats all. I had a mechanicask me if the seller did a software download on the transmission switch. I had no idea but I would guess not. He is a small volvo dealer and service shop but does not have access to the software updates.
Does this sound right about the software update on the different transmission possibly being the problem. Thanks

 

I would try the software first and see if it helps.

 

Thanks Tech
So there is some truth to the fact thatwhen a transmission is changed in a newer Volvo and a software download is not made that couldhavea problem like I've described. Interesting. Is it also safe to assume that very little back yard repairs can be done on these newer cars, while always needing the software updates?

 

Some cars will go good with just swapping the transmissions. Done many that have gone fine.
Some are just to picky and need the software.

Some things can be swapped on the car but most electronics need software to work after installing new parts.

 

Did that problem sound familiar with 2001 V70 T5 wagons? If the software update does not fix it what would you guess the problem to be?

 

I have the same car and have had similar problems with my transmission. Not so much of a tremble but clunky downshifting only from deceleration. the kickback is fine. Still haven't managed to fix it, i will probably just drive the transmission into the ground. I find that shifting manually helps after a few miles. I 're-train' the tranmission when it gets bad. I think my manul driving style is not so fuel efficient but a lot smoother. So maybe the adaptive memory is resetting for fuel efficiency rather than a smooth drive. I don't know. Anyone else have any opinions on the matter?

 

I read a lot of people has had trouble with this tranny. Both of my 01s have the 2nd-3rd slip/flare when shifting in manual mode (105k on the T5 and 58k miles on the XC70)

The best thing you can do for cheap is

1. Get the new ECM software (around $90 for software + labor)
2. Get the tranny fluid changed if not done in last 50k miles. Volvo charges close to $300, DIY for $60 for special Mobil 3309 fluid. Here is a link to DIY directions http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5668

#1 also loads an improved shift profile (particularly on my T5), #2 seems to get rid of couple of strange slips.

Good luck