I just purchased my 4th Volvo last week. It's a 2000 V70 FWD. I've read on the different issues with the model/year, but now I'm concerned with the transmission version. I thought the tranny was a good one, but now I'm wondering if it's leaning toward the 01' style. It's a 5 speed automatic. I read somewhere that this is an AW5050 LE.
Is this a problematic one? I'm going to be changing the fluid soon, so i think i need to use the 3309.
Do I also need to replace the b4 Servo cover on this year too (I thought this was only for 01' and up)?

It shifts fine, although I've noticed that it downshifts when coasting which I never noticed on my 850 or my older v70.

Please advise.

 

I've not seen too many issues with that trans. The downshift- while- coasting thing actually is normal... and SHOULD have happened in your 850, as well, as long as you used economy mode. It's programmed in as a way to help you maintain speed going downhill

 

Thanks for the reply. The shifting is more noticable than my 850. I'm going to change the fluid in the next few weeks (mobil 3309). It's getting toward the maple syrup color. Hopefully I'll find that it shifts smoother.

Believe it or not, I still have the original ETM now at 125k with no notice of erratic behavior!

 

I wouldn't go as far to say the down shifting is normal. Especially since you said it is more noticeable. There are several users complaining about the transmission "thunking" into gear when coming to a stop or just taking off. This sounds more like an early warning of internal issues. The '01 we purchased in June is only getting worse by the day even after a complete fluid flush. Though I have not taken it in to verify the software version. I heard this helps in some cases. If this doesn't help, then I am going to change the check ***** in the valve body first.

 

I've heard that the B4 Servo cover could make improvements on the 3rd gear shifting (not my issue). I'm wondering if a software update would improve this as well. For me, it's more of a preventative maintenance issue for now. i'm not noticing it to the point of 'clunking'.

Any idea whether the software update for the 5-speed auto AW55 50 is the same for all v70's from 2000 to current?

"Check ***** in the valve body".. I'm lost on this one. I'm not into transmission work. Is this an overhaul on the tranny or am I totally missing this?

 

Check this site out for basic information about a valve body rebuild. It mentions specific check ***** for switching between gears. If the ball is worn out, it will cause hard shifting. Basically these ***** direct flow to the clutches, which engage the transmission to drive the wheels. As you accelerate or decelerate, the ***** move around to change the "gearing".

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/Volv...AW7Xindex.html

Here is some info as well:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/automa...ansmission.htm

 

Thanks for the links ChrisAce!