Just got my S40 D5 remap!

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by Proghound

Glad you're pleased with your new remap thus far

Sorry to sound a note of caution, but there's a reason that on the factory maps, the D5 auto in these cars was limited to 350nm torque (and I believe also further limited in the low gears) where the manual was allowed to make 400nm. The 5-speed Geartronic box is unfortunately just not up to the job of handling large amounts of stress on a regular basis.

You only have to look at its record in the XC90, where autobox failures are legendary - especially so with the T6 petrol, but you also see lots of adverts for D5 spares/repairs with failed autoboxes. The combination of torque and weight of that car shortens the 'box service life to as little as 60k miles. Obviously the S40 weighs about a ton less than the XC90, but given the factory map limits, it might be wise to stay in the upper half of the throttle in the midrange for the most part.

Whilst you are correct that the AW55 5-speed auto cars are torque limited in (1st & 2nd gear) - I don't think it's fair to say that that gearbox failures are "legendary" in the XC90 D5 or near the same scale as the T6 (which uses an entirely different GM 4-speed box).

You do see some cars as "spares or repairs" with gearbox issues, mostly north of 150k miles, but the main issue is the lack of a transmission oil change in the Volvo service schedule which results in clogged and sticky valve bodies - and this to some extent affects all platforms that use it.

[parallaxerr]

Originally Posted by Jonathank

I’ve been thinking of a remap using Celtic Tuning in Cross Hands. Can I first clarify something please? My understanding is that the MTE/RICA maps limits torque in gears 1&2. The other 3 are unrestricted. So as long as you use the tourque in a-b driving where you’re in the higher gears almost all the time a higher tourque output shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

The time to be careful is 0-60 sprints away from T lights or pulling hard out of roundabouts in low gears.

Am I right or is this wishful thinking?

I believe you are correct about the torque limiting in 1 & 2. A-B driving rarely requires 2nd gear, mine rarely drops into 3rd on my normal commute, unless commanded to do so manually. The torque in the higher gears is plenty with the remap to just get past the tractors and dawdlers that I get stuck behind. This is where the D5 remapped excels, in gear acceleration/roll-on.

As far as 0-60 sprints are concerned, honestly, how often do you do them in reality? Even at 50% throttle away from lights, I find myself out accelerating 99% of other traffic. Full throttle is pretty lairy!

Put another way, I have not modified my driving style to save the box...other than maybe using less throttle due to the car being so quick!

[parallaxerr]

Originally Posted by Tannaton

Whilst you are correct that the AW55 5-speed auto cars are torque limited in (1st & 2nd gear) - I don't think it's fair to say that that gearbox failures are "legendary" in the XC90 D5 or near the same scale as the T6 (which uses an entirely different GM 4-speed box).

You do see some cars as "spares or repairs" with gearbox issues, mostly north of 150k miles, but the main issue is the lack of a transmission oil change in the Volvo service schedule which results in clogged and sticky valve bodies - and this to some extent affects all platforms that use it.

Gearbox oil change booked in for next Friday at 45k miles

[Jonathank]

Is that a full change including filter or a ‘sump dump’?

[parallaxerr]

Originally Posted by Jonathank

Is that a full change including filter or a ‘sump dump’?

It's just an oil drain and refill by my local auto box specialist. They know the AW-55 well and said the filter was not necessary, fresh oil alone should be good enough.

[btjtaylor]

How are you getting on with the map? I'm looking at options for my car and the RICA softloader + map is really expensive (over £600 in total).

[parallaxerr]

Originally Posted by btjtaylor

How are you getting on with the map? I'm looking at options for my car and the RICA softloader + map is really expensive (over £600 in total).

Fine. I've changed my daily commute route now and it's on fast'ish country roads. I cruise along normally getting mid-40's mpg but when a tractor, learner driver, cyclist or blue rinse gets in the way, the remap really does make getting past easier.

Delivery is very lazy compared to a petrol so most overtakes are done in 4th gear, even from as low as 35mph. The torque just wafts you along, it's great

[VX280]

Hi. Did you get this re-map done by Celtic motors? If so how's it going? I'm near Carmarthen and am thinking of a remap.

[parallaxerr]

Originally Posted by VX280

Hi. Did you get this re-map done by Celtic motors? If so how's it going? I'm near Carmarthen and am thinking of a remap.

Hi, sorry I've only just seen your post. No, my remap is a RICA which I installed myself using the iSoftloader, purchased from volvopartshop.

[Jonathank]

It was me who was thinking of a remap with Celtic and no I didn't get it done - yet. I've had more pressing things to think about, namely the dreaded electrical problems, wipers on etc. I've just had a new CEM fitted which I hope will fix the problem.

My C70 is going away for the winter at the end of October. I may get it done when it comes out of hibernation in April next year but I'm still nervous about the gearbox.

J