Gear changing problem.

[CaerYnArfon]

Just taken my 2010 d5 auto for a long "regen" drive down the motorway and back. Did between 70 and 80 for 20 -30 miles, I slowed down for the peage (I live on France btw) I noticed on the way out of it the gear changes were suddenly very high i.e. didn't change up until 2500 revs switched to manual and it had difficulty going up to 5 and 6. I pulled off the mway anyway to work back home across country slowed to a stop to turn around, as I'd missed my turn thinking about this problem, and pulling off in manual it was back to normal... all in all it lasted about 10 minutes. I didn't hold back on the country roads but no repeat of the issue.

About 4 years ago this time towing a caravan, it had been a long day in the saddle, it popped out of and then wouldn't select 6th so slowed down a bit (not that I was tanking it anyway!) and managed to get it in in manual mode. This cleared after a few miles and not had any issues until now.

So obviously first thing that springs to mind is change the ATF. I changed it after I got the car in 2016. I've got plenty of fluid and will do a Gibbons...

Any other suggestions?

Or thoughts?

Many thanks

[ltec]

For volvos auto transmission suppose to not give any trouble, every page is riddled with transmission problems.
I'd say changing the oil is the correct thing.
There was a slight gurgling noise in mine around 2nd gear going easy. It sounded more like an exhaust shield rattle. It was only their when cold but an oil change sorted it out. I still think mine changing a bit too high in revs as well.
My radiator needed sorted this week too. I didn't realise the transmission oil went to the radiator and if the radiator fails the coolant can go into the transmission and wreck it.
So if that's correct thats probably something to check for too when changing oil.

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by ltec

For volvos auto transmission suppose to not give any trouble, every page is riddled with transmission problems.

What a load of codswallop ... yes there are transmission issues like any other manufacturer ... the threads are very specific and you should read them to understand what's going on, but its correct to say your first move should be get the codes read and get a transmission fluid change, it will not do any harm and the old fluid will tell you lots.

Re the "Gibbons" method, I'm sure the details/method is not applicable to the 6 speed box, although there are many other ways of achieving the change, again read the threads carefully.

My much missed 2009 XC90 had a transmission fluid change at 6 years old done by the supplying dealer, no problems with the box before, but much smoother after ... so not everything you read is doom and gloom

[CaerYnArfon]

Just been looking through Vida and I've found the place to start the adaptation procedure, however, it does say that it should only really be used if parts have been replaced rather than just an oil change. However the oil change count? will be done.

Also in other posts I noticed a reference to clearing the adaptation memory any idea where this can be found?

There is a reference in VIDA itself if the adaptation process fails it may be because software version needs updating (presumably for the TCM?). Anyone got any ideas how, as that was all it said.

Thanks

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by ltec

For volvos auto transmission suppose to not give any trouble, every page is riddled with transmission problems.
I'd say changing the oil is the correct thing.
There was a slight gurgling noise in mine around 2nd gear going easy. It sounded more like an exhaust shield rattle. It was only their when cold but an oil change sorted it out. I still think mine changing a bit too high in revs as well.
My radiator needed sorted this week too. I didn't realise the transmission oil went to the radiator and if the radiator fails the coolant can go into the transmission and wreck it.
So if that's correct thats probably something to check for too when changing oil.

Volvo transmission's do give trouble, like other cars do. Your statement of the transmission supposedly not give any trouble is ludicrous.

Originally Posted by CaerYnArfon

Just been looking through Vida and I've found the place to start the adaptation procedure, however, it does say that it should only really be used if parts have been replaced rather than just an oil change. However the oil change count? will be done.

Also in other posts I noticed a reference to clearing the adaptation memory any idea where this can be found?

There is a reference in VIDA itself if the adaptation process fails it may be because software version needs updating (presumably for the TCM?). Anyone got any ideas how, as that was all it said.

Thanks

After a fluid change, the transmission learns or "adapts" how to shift itself over time anyway. You don't have to reset the adaptions.

With regards to software updates, this isn't something you can do yourself with a DIY Vida setup. Only a dealer or a Volvo specialist that's adequately equipped can install software updates.

[Familyman 90]

Originally Posted by ltec

For volvos auto transmission suppose to not give any trouble, every page is riddled with transmission problems. .

Rubbish. Counting my Dad's old car we, four XC90s have been through our family, 800,000 miles between them, no problems whatsoever. They really habe given no trouble.

Aside from a handful of 163's there are effectively no manuals out there, so any that do suffer problems will invariably be an auto.

It is inevitable that some will give trouble, just the same way that they do on the X5, for example, but no worse than anyone elses products.

One must also ask, or the cars that have trouble with anything these days, how many have been serviced at Fred in a Shed because its cheaper? Exactly.

[Kev0607]

I agree. Volvo’s transmission’s are generally very reliable, but that doesn’t mean they’ll never give trouble.

Rolls Royce engines are regarded as being the best engines ever made. It doesn’t mean they won’t break down!

[Danielpsmith]

My 6 speed auto made it to 175000 miles before it needed a rebuild and that was because of short journeys I do and it burnt the clutch packs out.

But until then it was fine but I did change the oil on it every couple of years.

[rsymes2k]

I mean, i'll be honest the worst thing I ever did was change the gearbox oil in my xc90 thinking it was going to be "preventative" what ensued after this was a load of harsh shifting resulting in a new valve body in the gearbox.

Still doesn't feel right now!

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by rsymes2k

I mean, i'll be honest the worst thing I ever did was change the gearbox oil in my xc90 thinking it was going to be "preventative" what ensued after this was a load of harsh shifting resulting in a new valve body in the gearbox.

Still doesn't feel right now!

Highly unlikely. You had a transmission issue before changing the fluid, or its purely coincidental that transmission issues started after you changed the fluid. Its a bit like saying you got a flat tyre after getting a puncture fixed.

I doubt it was the fluid change that caused it, unless you used wrong spec fluid or flushed it with chemicals. Or maybe the car has very high mileage, meaning there’s bound to be some wear in the transmission anyway?