AWD Transmission: XC90: using cruise control = transmission message

[sqsqsq]

Whenever I use cruise control I get a "TRANSMISSION SERVICE REQUIRED" message and the orange "!" triangle. The “D” in the console changes to just a “-“ and gear changes are very jerky. If I switch to manual + and – gear changes it still works fine.

The message appears intermittently with cruise control, I have not been able to find a pattern that I can replicate. Sometimes I get the message when cancelling cruise control, sometimes when changing speeds with the steering buttons or accelerator pedal, sometimes while just cruising along with no changes. Sometimes it happens shortly after engaging cruise control, sometimes only after using cruise for a long time.

I then have to stop the XC90, turn it off and remove the key. After starting up again everything seems fine no matter how hard I drive, as long as I don’t engage cruise control.

Only way to get rid of the actual transmission message is to have it cleared by my local Volvo mechanic. Happens so often now I don’t even get charged any more…

As a test I drove for a week in fast and slow traffic, long and short trips, flat and inclined roads, hard and gentle driving – all with no transmission message. I used cruise control today and got the message after 10 mins driving.

Any ideas?

Sq.
XC90 2003 D5 SE AWD

[Paul Clifton]

What are the fault codes referring to when read?

Paul.

[sqsqsq]

Originally Posted by Paul Clifton

What are the fault codes referring to when read?

Mechanic told me faults say oil temp too high. The oil does not look too dark, just a little darker than new oil. I will change all the transmission oil in January.

Was just wondering if anyone knew of similar situations before I go and spend all that money on Volvo synthetic oil...

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by sqsqsq

Mechanic told me faults say oil temp too high. The oil does not look too dark, just a little darker than new oil. I will change all the transmission oil in January.

Was just wondering if anyone knew of similar situations before I go and spend all that money on Volvo synthetic oil...

The Volvo oil isn't synthetic. I used a full synthetic for my oil change. (I change every five years regardless of what Volvo say.)

Roy

[sqsqsq]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

The Volvo oil isn't synthetic. I used a full synthetic for my oil change. (I change every five years regardless of what Volvo say.)

I have read lots about claims that Volvo's transmission oil is just a relabelled Mobil oil. My Volvo dealer absolutely denies this (as they would). I can't take that risk on a £3000 tranny, so it's Volvo oil for me (for now).

What oil specifically do you use, is it one of Mobil's synthetic ones?

Sq.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by sqsqsq

I have read lots about claims that Volvo's transmission oil is just a relabelled Mobil oil. My Volvo dealer absolutely denies this (as they would). I can't take that risk on a £3000 tranny, so it's Volvo oil for me (for now).

What oil specifically do you use, is it one of Mobil's synthetic ones?

Sq.

I used Amsoil full synthetic ATF. That's what seems to be most popular on the various Volvo forums.

Roy