We have a 2002 XC70 with 101k miles. Last week we had the transmission rebuilt by a local transmission shop. ($3000) We did not replace any solenoids ($1500 for the pack) during the rebuild. Before the rebuild the transmission was slipping terribly. After the rebuild it shifts fine from 1-2 3-4 4-5. Shifting from 2-3 is very hard. (loud clunk that rattles the car.) Down shifting from 3-2 is hard also. After it warms up it is not as bad but still does not shift smooth. If we keep it under 2000 rpm until it shifts into 3rd it does clunk as much.

Our mechanic is obviously not happy with how it shifts,. and suggested a software upgrade. We took it to Ken Garff Volvo in Utah and they suggested a new transmission. ☹ In their opinion the software upgrade would not help.

Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Don't listen to the Volvo Stealer, try the software upgrade first, it worked well for my car. and for the little money involved it's well worth a try!!!
I had a few quirks nothing as dramatic as you describe, but some harsh shifting and jerking, software upgrade fixed it straight up!
Ask them to dis-able the neutral control function as well...
goodluck

v70 2.4t

 

Hello...how did your situation work out. I am having the SAME problem as you did. What was the problem if you did find it. My software is up to date and I still have this problem.

 

What trans shop you go too ?

 

3000. is lot of money for trans and should able to replace what ever is needed. The shop you go to should give you guarantee instead shift the blame to software .isnt the software work with the trans . The mechanic should tell you up front you also need software upgrade when he check your trans This should be fix together as one .Sorry you got rip off . Next time go to a good reputation trans shop that have lot of experience and at lease 6 month guarantee and have everything in writing like for 3000.dollars that inclulding all part and software and paid in credit card in case they dont fix it right so can dispute it with you credit card company and get your hard working money back and if that doesnt work take them to court tell the judge and show him the promise note .

I hope this help someone out there it is wrong paid what you not getting is un american.

 

I also have a 2002 XC70 auto. I was pulling out of a junction a couple of days ago, and the transmission simply failed. No warning, just complete loss of drive, with the engine revving freely. Slipping it into neutral then back into drive gave me about another second of traction, then nothing at all.

It had been shifting OK up until then, apart from an occasional hesitation under the same conditions (i.e., pulling away sharply from a standstill).

Surely such a complete failure is electronic? The fluid level had just been checked a couple of weeks ago and was spot on - no leaks. My garage are reluctant to start pulling it apart unless they have a good idea of what's wrong. Does the neutral/shift program have anything to do with it, or could it just be valve chest/solenoids?

I really like the handling and equipment of the car, but I'm bitterly disappointed by the fragile nature of the parts that matter.

 

I’m a new Volvo owner. I recently bought a 2002 XC70 with 40k miles. The previous owners took first class care of it and it’s in excellent condition. After reading what you are all saying about the transmission I’m a little nervous. YIKES!

I’ve had no problems yet, but I want to be prepared. Getting repairs done at a dealership is out of my budget, so I’m looking for a good Volvo mechanic in the greater Denver area. Can anyone recommend a good mechanic?

 

I have a 2002 xc70 as well and just started to notice the transmission slipping. For instance, I will go from reverse to drive on a slope and when I let the brake off, start to roll backward a few feet before the transmission engages and then thunk, start going forward. Or today, going over a speed bump, it slipped then dropped back into gear with a thunk. Anyone else had this happen? What was the fix? Whole new tranny?

 

I have a 2007 S40 which has recently started clunking/slamming hard into gear at low speeds. I have taken it to my dealer where I bought the car and they claim that they cannot reproduce the symptom. I am giving up on the dealer and am looking for an independent shop in the Phoenix, AZ area. Any suggestions?