XC90 transmission problems
 

We own a 2003 XC90 with 83,000 miles on it and we are being told that we have to put the third transmission into this car. The first transmission was bad when we bought it and we had to take the car back after driving about 1 mile. A new transmission was shipped from Sweden. Now, at 83,000 miles, the second transmission is now suddenly bad after the Volvo dealer flushed the transmission fluid. We were not having any problems prior to them changing the transmission fluid. We are now having to look at legal action and are trying to find out if these transmission problems are common and/or if the service departments changing the transmission fluid have caused problems with other XC90s. We asked this dealer how many times they have changed the transmission fluid in an XC90 and they said 4 or 5 times so far but this is the first time they've had an issue. Anyone else experiencing these issues?

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

Why did you decide to do the flash?
What transmission do you have: 5-speed or 4-speed? (T5 or T6 engine?)

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

They were doing standard maintenance. Service dept. suggested that it was time to change the transmission fluid while it was in there. Unfortunately, we gave them the ok. We have the T6.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

I am not a transmission speacialist, but I think that 5-speed (T5) and 4-speed (T6) trannny use different fluid. Maybe they put wrong fluid into it? If you find info how to send a sample from the tranny for analysis, it may be helpfull.
I suppose they did not overlooked something as simple as not enough fluid in the unit?

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

We have the 2006 XC90 V8 (6 speed), 12700 miles, and are experiencing problems with the transmission as well (seems to be getting worse).

Symptoms:
1. Originally the transmission seemed to hessitate when accellerating from almost stop - it would suddenly jump into gear.
2. Now it gears down to 1st too early when slowing down to stop. Not the way I would gear with a stick shift.
3. Not smooth when driving slow in rush hour traffic - stays in 1st gear too long before gearing up to 2nd and skips to 3rd
4. If I use the manual option it often seems to hessitate before going from 1st to 2nd and sometimes goes directly to 3rd.

Wonder if something wrong with 2nd gear. Taking it in to Volvo dealer tomorrow for inspection.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

Took our 2006 XC90 V8 to the dealer today to check on our transmission problem. Dealer downloaded and installed new software upgrades for engine & transmission which actually eliminated all the previously mentioned symptoms. I also noticed a significant improvement in fuel mileage by about 3 mpg for city driving (today).

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

Atornquist,

Do you think it makes sense to upgrade software even if the transmission ****s fine?

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

They continuously improve their technology, so why not. These are upgrades for the curent XC90 engine and transmission management computer. The previous upgrade fixed the oil change alert function (Volvo recall). Ask your dealer for your next service. The upgrades should be free if you request them with oil changes, etc.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

Thanks, I believe that if I complain that shift is slow or rough at times, they will do it anyway.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

We also have an '06 XC90 V8 and have been experiencing the exact problems as outlined by atornquist. The vehicle is at the dealer today and when I mentioned an update to the software they didn't seem to know anything about this. Does anyone know if there is a specific update code number for this problem?

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

I don't know the code but here is the information to my Volvo dealer so you can contact them ans ask: McDonnald Volvo, 6000 S Broadway, Littleton, Colorado 80121, USA. Phone: (303) 795-1100 (ask for Volvo service).

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

tranny problem is common with the 6cylider not the straight 5 engine. they give up around 35-40k miles. i like the 5 cylinder.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

im replacing a transmission in a 2004 xc90 T6 all wheel drive inline 6 cyinder. the problem with this is it uses a GM transmission and they are junk. ive seen nothing but problems with these transmissions. at work im replacing one and i had to push it into my bay cause all the clutches were fried and it wouldnt budge and the suv has 40 thousand miles on it. my advice the inline 5 cylinder is the best engine to get. if you get the GM transmission your asking for trouble

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

I just joined the board today because of what happened this morning with my 04 XC90 T6 (85,000 mles).

I was driving about 35 on a straightaway and all of a sudden the REVS were in the red, 5-6k and the car was slowing down.

Just after that the URGENT: CHECK TRANSMISSION message came on. I called the dealer immediately and they told me to bring it in ASAP. (I was fortunate that I was heading out of town on biz, 360 miles RT, and they gave me a loaner.) This was about 9am.

I got a call at 4:45p today saying that they read the sensors and that the tranny is shot. They said you can't rebuild it and a new one will be $4,000.

Reading this thread it seems that this might not be unusual. I'm thinking of asking them to waive the cost of the new tranny and we'll pay for labor.

Is this reasonable? Feasible? Do I have any other recourse?

My frustration level is high.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

Junk yard -try to find onefrom the car with low miles.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

Bad advice.. Given the volatility of these trannies I wouldn't put one in with an unknown service history.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

It depends: if a tranny has low mileage (15-20K), thenitcould make sense. If a tranny has 50-60K miles, then it is a game.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

I don't mean to or am not trying to hijack this thread but does anyone know where you can get the 4T65EV tranny? I can't find a yard that has an XC90 in it at all. Since it is a GM tranny, it can be rebuilt and I would like to find one and take a stab at it.

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

You can try sweedishengineering.com or eerievolvo.com

RE: XC90 transmission problems
 

We have a '04 XC90 T6 and had the tranny replaced at about 20k. We have 56k on it now. Just had it in for rattle in drive line which turned out to a bad rear drive shaft. I also had a stutter when it shifted from 2-3 at times - but they found no problems.They did say the tranny needed flushed. Did it, but now uncertain after reading this post. I had a '96 Jimmy with 183k on it and never changed the tranny fluid - and never had any problems.