Our 2007 XC90 V-8 has the common transmission trouble with the shifts being slow and engine RPM going way high and sometimes the transmission not shifting into the next higher gear for some time. This usually only happens in the summer or when the transmission gets hot (stop/go freeway or in-town traffic). Otherwise it's a good winter vehicle here in the cold MN winters. Because of this, I bought an old Chevy Suburban to pull our boat in the summer. I'd like to keep using the Volvo since it gets 5+ mpg better than the Suburban.

We're thinking about getting the transmission fixed (not sure if it's just needing the valve body thing replaced, or a different transmission). Wondering how the fix holds up and for how long. And if the fix would let us pull our boat with the XC90 in the summer (It's about 1800lb on the trailer).

Anyone have any experience how the fixed transmissions last? And would you pull a boat with it afterwards?

Because of the used car prices going up, I think it might make sense getting it fixed instead of selling. It's a great vehicle otherwise.

Thanks.

 

There are some easier things to check first. 1) how clean is the fluid and is it at the correct level? A series of drain/fills may help. 2) Is the TCU on the most recent software version? This will require a shop with VIDA - so its probably a trip to the dealer to check and make sure 3) if you have hard shifts/flaring then the usual suspect is the valve solenoids - which is can be replaced on some models without removing the transmission. As to pulling a boat/trailer, usually that would impact clutches more than solenoids and will produce more heat. Assuming you are not pulling big hills or doing high speed freeway driving, you whould be good after doing a flush.