Auto gearbox 'slipping' in gears 2, 4 and 6 - V70 1.6D 2014

[jmayna]

Hi All,

Odd one here - I've had my V70 for a few months now and just noticed that when accelerating in gears 2, 4 and 6 the gearbox seems to 'slip' where the revs increase by 200rpm or so, hold, vehicle speed increases and then they revs slip upwards again, and you can feel the nudging/pulsing/pushing in the car as it does this.

Also, on cruise at 70mph, at small gradients, the same issue is happening - but when you increase cruise to 75mph+, the issue disappears.

The shifts between all the gears are fine, not harsh or any knocks/jolts etc. No odd noises or warning lights etc either.

The car has done 73k miles, so isn't due a trans fluid change until 100k but as it's 7 years old, I was going to get it changed with the belts at 85k.

Gears 1,3 and 5 are fine and not exhibiting the issue at all under part or full loads.

It kind of feels like the torque converter is unlocking momentarily then locking again in 2,4 and 6.

The engine runs absolutely fine, no issues at idle or any smoke etc out the back so it must be a trans issue IMHO.

I've read about some of these issues, but not found anything relating only to specific gears?

The car doesn't have a towbar, so hasn't been pulling any heavy loads so not sure what could be causing this issue.

Any thoughts on this, much appreciated 👍

EDIT: Forgot to add that this behaviour is in auto or manual override mode and the slipping isn't the car going between gears as the difference in rpms is quite small.

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by jmayna

Hi All,

Odd one here - I've had my V70 for a few months now and just noticed that when accelerating in gears 2, 4 and 6 the gearbox seems to 'slip' where the revs increase by 200rpm or so, hold, vehicle speed increases and then they revs slip upwards again, and you can feel the nudging/pulsing/pushing in the car as it does this.

Also, on cruise at 70mph, at small gradients, the same issue is happening - but when you increase cruise to 75mph+, the issue disappears.

The shifts between all the gears are fine, not harsh or any knocks/jolts etc. No odd noises or warning lights etc either.

The car has done 73k miles, so isn't due a trans fluid change until 100k but as it's 7 years old, I was going to get it changed with the belts at 85k.

Gears 1,3 and 5 are fine and not exhibiting the issue at all under part or full loads.

It kind of feels like the torque converter is unlocking momentarily then locking again in 2,4 and 6.

The engine runs absolutely fine, no issues at idle or any smoke etc out the back so it must be a trans issue IMHO.

I've read about some of these issues, but not found anything relating only to specific gears?

The car doesn't have a towbar, so hasn't been pulling any heavy loads so not sure what could be causing this issue.

Any thoughts on this, much appreciated 👍

EDIT: Forgot to add that this behaviour is in auto or manual override mode and the slipping isn't the car going between gears as the difference in rpms is quite small.

If this vehicle has the Ford Powershift transmission, then one of the two clutches is possibly failing.

My understanding is that Powershift, like the VW DSG gearbox, consists of two gearboxes, each with its own clutch. One gearbox handles gears 1, 3 and 5, and the other gearbox handles 2, 4 and 6.

I look at such a gearbox as a manual gearbox that is operated by a robot on behalf of the driver.

If I'm right, then there is no torque converter, either.

[Whyman]

Agree about the Powershift suggestion. Iif it is then the oil should be changed every 30k miles. I would get this done as a first option but having looked on the internet it would appear that once problems start you are already too late.

If it is then be prepared for a large bill!

If you have only had it a few months can you claim any form of warranty from the seller?

[jmayna]

Interesting thoughts here - is there any quick way to check if it's a 'DSG-style' box with twin clutches rather than a torque converter?

I checked the service schedule and the oil changes are every 100k miles which seemed a lot to me so hence looking to change it at 85k instead...

No warranty available from the seller as it was a private sale...! 😔

If it's a twin clutch setup is it possible to do a clutch learn procedure on the car to get it to shift better..?

I've never smelt any clutch burning when driving the car and the shifts are so smooth hence why I thought it was a torque converter box...

[Whyman]

Do some research on the internet there is loads of info out there that will probably be able to answer your questions.

Alternatively talk to a auto gearbox expert.

[jmayna]

Done some research and this all seems to stack up with it being a Ford Powershift transmission problem with other people reporting the same (and worse) issues around the same mileage without having done regular fluid changes (as the Volvo service schedule says not to..!)

Any recommendations on Auto gearbox experts welcome - I've had a Google of a few around me and will make some calls but always prefer a recommendation where possible!

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Sotosound

If this vehicle has the Ford Powershift transmission, then one of the two clutches is possibly failing.

My understanding is that Powershift, like the VW DSG gearbox, consists of two gearboxes, each with its own clutch. One gearbox handles gears 1, 3 and 5, and the other gearbox handles 2, 4 and 6.

I look at such a gearbox as a manual gearbox that is operated by a robot on behalf of the driver.

If I'm right, then there is no torque converter, either.

^^^^^

That - as you have the 4-pot 1.6 oil burner you have the Ford Powershift box, the clutch is slipping on the even gears shaft.

You could try a fluid change, if that works - sell the car.

These gearboxes can be stripped and repaired for a semi-reasonable cost, but you do need to find a specialist who understands them.

[IainG]

Hi

You could try a fluid change, if that works - sell the car.

The previous owner might have already done that!

Iain

[Whyman]

Depends what you call reasonable. My daughters Galaxy with the same gearbox cost £2.5k to repair fortunately under warranty.

It was OK for 11 months and then failed again with another fault when it would only allow you to manually select 1,3,5 and reverse. £1.4K later all is now OK.

The gearbox man I spoke to said that the gearbox as very weak and no to think of fitting a towing bracket as any extra load will cause it to fail again.

Our Australian cousins have a cute way of describing the quality of the gearbox by leaving the “f” out.

Elsewhere in the world Ford have been sued and prosecuted for the lack of customer support but in the UK they seem to be hoping the problem will go away in time.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Whyman

Depends what you call reasonable. My daughters Galaxy with the same gearbox cost £2.5k to repair fortunately under warranty.

It was OK for 11 months and then failed again with another fault when it would only allow you to manually select 1,3,5 and reverse. £1.4K later all is now OK.

The gearbox man I spoke to said that the gearbox as very weak and no to think of fitting a towing bracket as any extra load will cause it to fail again.

Our Australian cousins have a cute way of describing the quality of the gearbox by leaving the “f” out.

Elsewhere in the world Ford have been sued and prosecuted for the lack of customer support but in the UK they seem to be hoping the problem will go away in time.

By reasonable I meant I think the clutches can be changed for about the same cost as removing it and refitting it - I would expect £1.5k in total.

You are quite right to point out that if you Google this gearbox there's class actions and law suits in just about every continent...

In the lighter cars (i.e. new V40) it seems to be okay if looked after properly but in the heavier V70 it isn't so reliable, even though it's only mated to a lawn mower engine.