V70 G/box: 2WD: Clutch solenoid?

[Alan Morgan]

Hi Guys,
I recently had a problem with 'transmission service required' message coming up and the car going into limp mode ( '02 auto 2.4 105K).
I took the car to a trusted mech ( not Volvo) and his diagnostic do - da showed a problem with the torque converter solenoid, which he replaced, He also added an transmission oil cooler for me at the same time as I tow a caravan.

This was just before Easter. I towed the van down to Devon on Thursday and after 200 miles of being OK the dreaded message reappeared along with limp mode.

Perhaps (definately) foolishly I decided to reset the message with my cheepo fault reader and beetle on home to Hertfordshire today (BH monday).
After about 20 miles the message returned along with limp mode. I found that, after turning off the ignition and then starting off again the limp mode disappeared although the message remained, so I carried on. 2 Miles later back into limp. The hell with it I let it stay in limp and plodded on. Now when I say plodded the car, with caravan was happy to sit at 50MPH all the way home, the only time i noticed the limp mode was when I slowed for traffic and the pull away was really laboured. I also could not rev above 3000.

It it possible that the new solenoid is faulty or could it be a different fault altogether. My code readed says PO 740 which in the book of words comes up with clutch solenoid. The solenoid cost me £400 and if it wasn't that at fault I feel a right plank.....

Any pearls of wisdom welcome on this one.....

[mds]

Have you tried unplugging the gearbox loom (big Plug on top of the box) and cleaning all the contacts with electrical contact cleaner?
Just in case its a bad connection. Also remember sometimes new parts fail??

If it doesn't then you will need a good transmission specialist they should be able to put the on a diagnostic rig and tell you what the issue is.

[Alan Morgan]

Thanks for that I will look for the connector now. Just had a thought. Looking at other threads I thought I would check the auto box oil level
The car has been stopped now for 2 1/2 hours so I reckoned it should be cold(ish) with the engine running and the box in P i am getting a level above the hot mark. Could this cause my problems and if so how do I drain some off ?

HELP I have to use the thing for work tommorrow!!!!!!!

[mds]

To check the level the car should be on level ground engine running move the Selector through all positions 3-4 times and check the level. If you look at the dip stick it tells you how much between low and full (About 0.2ltr from memory)

When you had the sensor fitted did they top up the box? if they did did they use the correct ATF?

[Alan Morgan]

I will go in and see the guy tommorrow and finfd out what ATF was put in. I know they changed the ATF and the filter when they put the extra Oil cooler on. What ATF should it be?

[Alan Morgan]

I am thinking that I will get my mech to change the ATF for volvo ATF and make sure the level is ok as a first option. I cant afford another £400