Recently sold my 06 2.5t xc90 with 218k miles. It still ran and drove well but the engine oil leak was getting worse and the haldex quit long ago. Let it go for $700 to some kid needed a work truck.

I then went and looked at several newer xc90, all P2's. I was hoping for a v8 but the couple I looked at had dashes lit up like a light christmas tree. I settled on an 08 3.2 with 163k miles. It drove well on test drive, no lights beside tire pressure monitor. At the end of the drive it made a high pitch whistle, which i later learned was the pcv diaphragm. It was 90 minutes from home and I was alone and had to return for it later. I brought a new diaphragm, changed it in the lot and drove home.

the troubles:
-brakes kinda suck, whatever probably just needs better pads and fluid.
-steering wheels a bit crooked, whatever (fixed)
-cam sensor engine light came on, i forgot to plug it back in doing pcv
-Needs hood and tailgate struts (fixed)
-but the kicker, its got a stutter between 1500-2000 rpm on lightish loads. Felt like a misfire but too consistent. I started thinking maybe it's a fuel trim thing from pcv leak, or a side effect of cam sensor. But it's still doing it. I haven't reset battery yet. And I noticed front a rear tires are same size and good but different brands. All searches are suggesting torque converter

(Update) I just reset the ETCS adaptive values, a quick trip around block and it's not stuttering. But it's cold, I don't think it does it until it warms up.

(update #2) not knowing what ETCS is referring to, i just decided to unplug battery for a while.

(Update #3) still shuttering, 1600-1700 only after fully warmed up. I have no service records so a fluid flush feels risky

 

My autolock duasable isn't disabling. I turn key on and hold the lock button on door, nothing happens. I could hold thet button til battery dies but I get no message

 

Pulled codes today ( I was trying to see if i can read transmission temp with scanner) and i got a P074468. I ordered 12 qts of Mobil 3309, will be doing the flush so fingers crossed.

 

New fluid made no difference. Old fluid wasnt that bad and the T55 was already a bit beat up showing its been changed before

 

Trading a high-mileage XC90 with known issues for another one with a mystery stutter... not the smartest move. The fact that resetting the adaptive values (whatever that is!) temporarily fixed it makes me think it's something software-related, or maybe a sensor issue beyond the cam sensor. Before you start throwing parts at it (especially a torque converter!), get a proper diagnostic scan done.

 

I didn't know it had the shudder until I was driving it home. I picked it up after hours during a snow storm

Had another fabulous day with it. Temperature dropped to 14f last night. I went to deliver a few Christmas present this morning and noticed the temp needle in the middle like normal but no heat. Thought ok, idiot guage is just being a little premature, its cold, heats coming. Then a couple minutes later, temp guage sprinted for the red. I was just getting on the interstate. I quickly shifted to neutral, killed the ignition, and coasted onto the shoulder. I pretty much assumed right away that I had a ice blockage somewhere. I popped the hood and the lower radiator hose was frozen solid. The overflow had sprayed everywhere and there was some ice left in it as well. Needless to say I was pissed. I tried calling the dealer that sold me this lemon and they are closed for the week.

I let it sit a while, then drove up to the exit nearby where there's an autoparts store. The coolant in it had a slight blue European tint. I tried finding 100% but they only had 50/50 in blue. Took a while to get cap off with the pressure, but after i did, it gurgled up half the gallon. Then the wife picked me up and i left it sit on the lot to fully thaw out. I went down a few hours later to get it, expecting to see coolant all over the ground from a busted radiator or something but luckily it all held together and temps are steady, no leaks or tailpipe smoke. I think I dodged a bullet. So now back to the transmission issue after i flush this engine water.