[solved] Gear selection issues automatic transmission 2010 V70 T6 AWD

RobFord

Hi There

I was wondering if anyone had heard or come across this issue?

I recently bought a V70 2010 AWD, absolutely immaculate and love it, unmarked inside and out, full Volvo service history and only 59,000 k's on the clock.

But, after a while I noticed that the timing on the gear change between 1st and 2nd seemed out and jolty, and 2nd back to 1st was jolty and seemed to want to change gear at the wrong time generally in the lower gears, the gear changes in the higher gears are ok. When I bought the car only a few months ago I had it serviced even though it wasn't due, and the transmission fluids changed.

I also own an XC70 2005 with 140,000 kms and the gear change seems as smooth as when it was new?

I am aware of the XC90 transmission issues, but hadn't heard of any problems with the V70.

I have the car booked into Volvo in Melbourne next month to be checked out, they suspect computer reprogram and want to re-callabrate the system, but has anyone else heard or experienced this problem?

Thanks

Rob

Rob

is it a T6?

Rob

P3's are usually quite reliable.

RobFord

it is a T6

Rob

I am not an expert on these transmissions, there are a few others more familiar with them, I will wait for them to respond. :)

egads (she/her)

Sounds like it is running on the original transmission software that hits neutral too much, Volvo for software and adaption run is a good call.

Agouti

Worse case scenario you are probably due for new transmission oil which is far cheaper to do yourself or from an independent.

Angus242164

I work with a mechanic who, whenever a car comes in with any sort of transmission noise or shifting issue, be it manual or auto, says "we'll change the oil first, just in case it fixes it". This has happened dozens of times over the last six years, and not once has it made any difference to any of the faults.

Philia_Bear

Angus242164;82261 wroteI work with a mechanic who, whenever a car comes in with any sort of transmission noise or shifting issue, be it manual or auto, says "we'll change the oil first, just in case it fixes it". This has happened dozens of times over the last six years, and not once has it made any difference to any of the faults.

It wont ever fix it but it can slow the issue getting worse

By the time its shifting badly there is wear and failing parts which need to be replaced along with the fluid

Angus242164

Yeah exactly, the fluid gets dirty because there are many small bits of parts in it.

Agouti

Does he deal with Aisin gearboxes though?

All I know is I did a lot of reading on late model Volvos before I bought my S60, and I've probably got a few crossed wires from contrary opinions. Here's my understanding of the "common" issues.

AW55 Harsh engagement of Drive - B4 servo/valve body, replace (https://www.ipdusa.com/products/5538/107960-automatic-transmission-b4-servo-cover-update-aw55-50-51)
AW55 Harsh shifting, shift flaring (revs jump when shifting under throttle) - bad fluid, flush, trigger adaptation and follow procedure outlined in VIDA (stop, start, drive at X KPH, reverse, etc etc).
TF80 Harsh shifting, particularly 2nd to 3rd or 3rd to 4th, only when hot, several reports where people have used the wrong ATF or cooked it good - sticky solenoid. Might be limited to pre-2007 or 2008.
TF80 General harsh shifting - bad fluid, flush and reset Transmission fluid change counter <a href="http://imgur.com/H3RPZtp.png">VIDA screenshot</a> courtesy of ShadyMan on VOC. Potentially the adaptation should also be reset as per <a href="http://imgur.com/dBfNvvB.png">this VIDA screenshot</a>

It's not hard to imagine that automatics (DSG excluded?) which are driven hard or used to tow heavy loads at slow speeds can have the transmission fluid get cooked or otherwise go bad. Volvo have a section in the manual which says the boxes are sealed for life unless it's driven hard/used to tow. I believe they rely on the counter to get high enough to trigger a service request.

Given Rob has a 2010 it will be a TF80-SC and it hopefully won't have the valve body issue, so from what I've read a fluid change has a very good chance of fixing or substantially improving his issue. I hope. Read up on people using Valvoline MaxLife and the like to correct poor shifting as well.

Have a read of:
Regarding the valve issue (2001 S60) http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-s60-v60-10/complete-guide-s60-transmission-shift-flares-slipping-missing-gears-59684/
Valve Body/Sticky solenoid:
http://forums.t5d5.org/topic/18593-s60-d5-2007-transmission-problem-aisin-aw-tf-80sc-6-speed/
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?156554-Hard-Shifting
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?142527-interesting-little-tidbit-for-us-Geartronic-guys
https://www.ipdusa.com/techtips/10176/volvo-tf80-awf21-transmission-issues
Others:
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?221297-06-S60R-violently-lurching-forward
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?212102-lifetime-transmission-oil
http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?175480-Valvoline-MaxLife-DEX-MERC-ATF
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=206330
And for extended reading http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=105769

edit: posted after the Bear, no need to @ call out.

jagardh

@RobFord
Hi Rob, i have a 2012 xc70 d5 and my gearbox can shift harshly going from 2nd to first especially when going slow uphill. i did a transmission flush at volvo bu it didnt fix it. Volvo says that there is nothing wrong with my gearbox. I have extended warranty so will have them to look at it before it runs out.

I'm interested to see how you are going with yours.

My car have 185000 on the clock.

cheers

RobFord

Sorry been ages, thanks for all your advice but just for all your information, Volvo Melbourne's advice to recallabrate the computer which did the trick, cost under $200.00

Phew thought I was in for a world of trouble having just purchased the car, now gear change smooth as butter

Love the car, very very powerful Eingine and very cheap to buy considering what you get

chilli

RobFord;100470 wroteSorry been ages, thanks for all your advice but just for all your information, Volvo Melbourne's advice to recallabrate the computer which did the trick, cost under $200.00

Phew thought I was in for a world of trouble having just purchased the car, now gear change smooth as butter

Love the car, very very powerful Eingine and very cheap to buy considering what you get

Hey Rob!

Just stumbled on your post. I think I have the same issue in my 2011 s60 T6. Im noticing harsh downshifts when going very slow (almost stopped speed) and light throttle makes a harsh 3rd or 2nd to 1st gear change.

How is your car now? Did re-calibrating the computer solve the issue long term? I'm thinking I should try the same as im in Melbourne too. Did they take long to do the reset?

Thanks :)

timbo

Anyone with a vida setup can reset the shift adaptation for you. It resets the self learning data for the trans shift points. Any of the reputable independant shops could do it. I would check to see if there are any fault codes logged in the trans while you're at it

chilli

Thanks heaps Tim. Appreciate the info. I was planning to change the transmission oil so I guess it would make sense to do this first then do the reset.

Does anyone in Melbourne recommend an independent Volvo shop? (I'll do some searching on this forum. Im still new!)

timbo

Berry motor group or voldat are the usual suspects. Good idea to flush the trans fluid

chilli

I came across Berry Motor Group in Mitcham which looks like it's got a great reputation :)

chilli

timbo;109253 wroteBerry motor group or voldat are the usual suspects. Good idea to flush the trans fluid

wow fast reply! beat me to it. Thanks !!

Anthony

I can't fathom why Volvo continue to fit budget Aisin transmissions.
Owners shouldn't have to go through theses half fixit loops.
If for example they fitted the German 'ZF' instead, Volvo transmissions problems would be solved and reputation restored.