I recently got a 2001 XC70 with 60000mi. On cold mornings it is extremely sluggish as I back out of the driveway. The engine needs to rev to 2000-3000rpm to make the car move. After the car warms up (less than 1/2 mile) it is back to normal. Normal being slightly above idle will easily move the car. Is this cold sluggishness normal? It is also slightly apparent when I come to a stop, the car needs a nudge to get it moving again it will not start rolling just at engine idle, I call it sticktion. Is this related to the awd to the rear wheels? It did not happen in my 96 850. I am within my 60day usedcar warantee period. Is there something wearing out that I can get replaced now under warantee?

 

Sounds like the trans. is slipping. Check the trans fluid and make sure it is full.

 

How do you check the tranny fluid and the fluid in the rear drive gearbox. I have looked all over and can't find a dip stick.

 

There is a yellow dipstick almost behind the left side headlight under the hood.When you open the hood it is to the right of the engine. It might be down low.

Make sure you check it with the car running and at operating temp.

 

Do you know anything that I can check on the rear drive unit? I read that the way it works is with several disks in a fluid like a torque converter and a lock up feature. The article said that the lock up feature locks the rear drive to the front under heavy usage (I guess that is a lot of slippage) and anytime the car drives in reverse. Could this reverse lockup feature be damaged?

 

I doubt it.
If it is reving up to 2000-3000RPM before it will move then it sounds like the trans is slipping.

 

Thanks, I will see if the used car dealer will do it under waratee.

 

Let us know how it goes.