Misbehaving V70 Geartronic

[Auldgit]

Hi all, the V70 ('13 plate D5 geartronic 87k) has developed an annoying fault, in that it sometimes (in auto at 35-55mph)) fails to respond to the accelerator pedal until the pedal is nearly flat on the floor, and then it kicks in with a vengeance, drops down a couple of gears and off we go like a Red Bull... all very entertaining but on a greasy surface not so good. It also occasionally fails to maintain speed when going uphill with cruise engaged, and then I have to resort to the same tactics to get it going again, or knock it into manual. It's a pain.

Unfortunately it's so intermittent that if I take it in to my dealer chances are it won't happen.

Would this sort of fault show up in the stored error codes if I take it in??

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Auldgit

Hi all, the V70 ('13 plate D5 geartronic 87k) has developed an annoying fault, in that it sometimes (in auto at 35-55mph)) fails to respond to the accelerator pedal until the pedal is nearly flat on the floor, and then it kicks in with a vengeance, drops down a couple of gears and off we go like a Red Bull... all very entertaining but on a greasy surface not so good. It also occasionally fails to maintain speed when going uphill with cruise engaged, and then I have to resort to the same tactics to get it going again, or knock it into manual. It's a pain.

Unfortunately it's so intermittent that if I take it in to my dealer chances are it won't happen.

Would this sort of fault show up in the stored error codes if I take it in??

Has the transmission fluid ever been changed before? If not, that's where I'd start.

With regards to error codes, its hard to say. Its possible something may be stored, but no way of knowing without diagnostics.

Volvo will tell you the transmission fluid doesn't need to be changed, which is complete rubbish. Enquire with your dealer how much it would be to get the transmission fluid changed, but don't be surprised if they tell you it doesn't need to be done.

You can get a transmission service done at an independent specialist for around £120, but that's on a vehicle that uses the older spec fluid than yours does. That figure is for what's known as a "drain and fill" or a "sump dump". Basically, they drain what they can out of the transmission and fill it back up again. Its not possible to renew the fluid all at once, as you can only drain approx 3L from the transmission, as the rest of the fluid is trapped inside the internals.

You have to repeat the process to get the best results. Your car hasn't got big miles, so maybe two or 3 drain and fills would be enough. Simply doing one drain and fill won't really do anything... it would be like partially draining your engine oil and then filling it up with new oil... its not going to be clean.

I believe yours needs the more expensive fluid known as JWS3324 or AW-1, which isn't particularly cheap. I'd say it would be more around the £200 region at a specialist for one drain and fill, but that's only an approximate figure. A main dealer will likely be dearer than that. Remember, one drain and fill isn't enough... you'll need to get it done 2 or 3 times.

[Auldgit]

Hi, yes fluid changed just 12 months and 3k ago, at local Volvo specialist (not main dealer). Might be worth while having a word with them I guess. I hate intermittent faults..AG

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Auldgit

Hi, yes fluid changed just 12 months and 3k ago, at local Volvo specialist (not main dealer). Might be worth while having a word with them I guess. I hate intermittent faults..AG

Okay, so you've had recent fluid changes... that's good. The transmission software may need updating.

Its unlikely fluid related, so maybe its software. If its not software, my guess (and its only a guess) is there's something else going on, possible a valve body problem.

Let the pro's diagnose it. Hopefully there's codes for them to go off, or maybe they'll drive it to see what you're experiencing.

[Auldgit]

So far as I know the software was updated when the fluid was changed, so I think a call is in order as you suggest. Cheers. AG

[Auldgit]

What/where is the valve body?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Auldgit

So far as I know the software was updated when the fluid was changed, so I think a call is in order as you suggest. Cheers. AG

Yeah, see what they say. Fluid has been changed and software has been updated... that points towards actual transmission issues. Possible valve body.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Auldgit

What/where is the valve body?

Inside the transmission.

The valve body is the nerve center of the automatic transmission. It is responsible for creating smooth shifts to the appropriate gear when driving. It does this by directing fluid through a maze of channels and passages that activate the appropriate clutch pack or band.

[Auldgit]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Inside the transmission.

The valve body is the nerve center of the automatic transmission. It is responsible for creating smooth shifts to the appropriate gear when driving. It does this by directing fluid through a maze of channels and passages that activate the appropriate clutch pack or band.

MMmmm - sounds expensive....!

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Auldgit

MMmmm - sounds expensive....!

Yep, not cheap.

There's lots of parts in the transmission though. Let the pro's diagnose.

Let us know the outcome. It may help someone else who may experience similar issues to you in future.