Update
After speaking Steve (Mason’s Prestige) and Leon/Mark (Berry Motor Group), and my want to keep the V8 for a while, I had decided to get the transmission rebuilt.
Leading up to the decision, Steve was great to deal with, and it reaffirmed my decision for the rebuild.
So naturally, I chose Steve/Mason’s Prestige to do the job, and sort out other maintenance items whilst the transmission was out, rear main seal and sub-frame o-rings.
As part of the rebuild, it included an upgraded valve body with the Trans go shift kit, aftermarket transmission cooler and 2 years/40,000km warranty.
I got the car back on Friday, and after a weekend of driving, it was great to be back in the V8, it instantly reminded me of why I bought the XC90 in the first place.
Mark had cautioned me of the Melbourne summer heat, combined with peak hour/city driving might hurt the transmission. So I had hooked up VIDA in Melbourne’s 27 °C over the weekend, and did some city driving. I saw the TCM Oil Temperature go up to 84 °C (183F), and with the AC on at idle, temperature was sitting comfortably at 80°C.
Google had suggested ideal operating temperature for transmission fluid is around 79 °C and 107 °C, so I imagine I would be safe from ‘over-cooking’ the transmission fluid.
All in all, Steve and Mark have been of immense help in getting the XC90 back on the road properly again.
Thank you Steve for all your work, would definitely recommend and rate your work.
On another note…
With summer quickly approaching, I am thinking of getting the
VolvoTech CFE Plus to monitor my transmission temperature. Although it is a little pricey at over $300AUD shipped, but it does allow for custom creature comforts.
1. Could anyone share their experience with the VolvoTech CFE Plus?
2. Also, what transmission temperatures are you normally operating at?
Thanks in advance