I just purchassed a 2004 xc 90,with 99500 miles I thought i did my homework but appears I may have messed up. I wanted to tow a 2500 pound boat , however after reading about the transmission problems,on the 2004 (most seem to be old posts) I think this may have been a mistake??? I am looking for some expert advice, Is the transmission problem for real. Or are there 04 that never had problems?? Most people only every state a problem, so you do not know if the issue is true or just poor matainance. My 2002 s60 has 180k and still going strong i could not have saked for a better car. That is why I went with the xc90 in the first place. As far as i know the xc90 has the origional tranny. car fax states the fluid was changed at 75k. The vin is YV1CZ91H441045383 if that helps. I know that no one has a crystal ball but what would you do being an expert??? If all the info is correct about the 04 tranny I am on barrowed time. Is it hype or sour grapes or just not true PLEASE give my your opinion as I sure do not knoe weather to keep or sell thanks JIM

 

The trans in the T6 XC90 saw many problems.

 

thank you ES6T for your reply, Am I wrong in thinking that my 04 after 12 years and 100K miles, If it had a bad one the problem would have already croped up??? And now knowing the trans issue I guess you would not recomend towing with it???? Also one last question do you have a recomendations on what i could do to prolong the life of this trans??? does volvo have any recomendations?? like a trans cooler installed or special trans fluid ect. Thanks JIM

 

There is no way to guarantee it won't fail. I've seen them fail at 30k or 130k.

I probably wouldn't tow with it.

 

Thanks Es6t for you prompt reply I do appreicate it very much,I do not think i will use as a tow suv will take your advice. I did talk to a tec, at Lucas Oil he recomends fresh fluid and new filter also said i should use 1 qt Lucas trans conditioner item # 10441 and change fluid every 30 k
any thoughts on Lucas transmission conditioner ???
thx
jim

 

We don't use additives at the dealer, so I couldn't say

 

Ok This may be a stupid question but here goes. What is the problem with the GM trans in the o4 xc90. and any way to tell if it is the origional trans??
thx
jim

 

I just replace them, not rebuild them. There isn't a sure way to tell if its original. The dealer can see all warranty history done at any dealer. Outside of that, you would have to know where the car was serviced to get records.

 

If you want to know if it's original, I think it would be VIN stamped. Most all transmissions are after 1968, when certain car theft measures were mandated by law in the USA. If you really want to know you can maybe google for some ID number locations on that transmission. It may have been rebuilt, and it's possible to determine that externally if somebody painted it or wrote on it, which is pretty common for rebuilders. Sometimes they'll put a tag on.


More to the point, I wanted to address your question about what goes wrong with them. It so happens triple edge performance dot com has a web page addressing that specific transmission. You might call and ask them if you want more info, but what they posted is an awful lot already. I did not send my transmission to them, can't give a personal testimony, but at least it appears that they are modifying things and trying to make it work. Naturally if you dismantle a few dozen you get a perspective.

 

They are not VIN stamped. There is a serial number on a tag, if the tag is still there. And then you need to talk to someone at the dealer who knows how to look up what the serial number of the original trans was. And then that wouldn't tell if someone had it rebuilt.

 

Thanks guys for the help, I did contact triple edge performance.com have not herd back yet will post when i do.
I think you guys have convinced me that this suv is not for me, as i wanted to tow a boat about 2500 lbs. if i understand it was the 03,04,05 t6 that had the trans. problem ??????? any issues with the 06-07???that i should be aware of. cant go much higher in years or i wont be able to afford the suv