automatic gearbox problems

[Michael of Horsham]

I think its likely to be a sensor/computer issue but its strange noone else is getting back to me. Surely I cannot be the only one to experience the problem. I did disconnect the battery yesterday hoping it would reset everything back to factory defaults but the message still comes up at start up. I am reluctant to go to the local volvo dealer as to do anything they will charge me a minimum of an hours labour. My normal mechanics only suggest going to a auto specialist............... if its a computer issue they may say go to volvo, after taking my money for other checks. Regards, Mike.

[Michael of Horsham]

Thank you for your input. Since the gear changes are reasonably smooth and the fluid is clean and slightly above marking on dip stick I have to assume it is perhaps a faulty sensor. I did speak to A Volvo dealership near my home and they convinced me it's unlikely to be a serious problem with the box. I need to find someone who can reset the warning message for me who won't charge me a £100+ for the pleasure...... Maybe if I send my wife to the Volvo dealer in hot pants she may get a better price!! Thanks again.

[Supersplodnadger]

If you think Volvo have problems have a look at Audi's, their M-tronic is a total dog that if your really unlucky will last to the end of the new car warranty.
Most problems are caused by lack of maintance, wether the owners paid for it or not!

[gdibuk]

I have problems with my gearbox. Once the engine is warm the ratio engagement from standstill is atrocious. The car was purchased from a main dealer in 2005 with 40K on the clock. The car was used by a taxi firm that has large corporate accounts and I know the car was serviced as recommended. At about 80K the problem developed. I took the car to a specialist where the oil was changed (very dirty) and software updated, this had a very little effect. Volvo say the oil should not need changing unless used as a taxi. We have put 55K on the engine in 6 years (Suburban driving). I suspect that the transmission oil was not changed by the dealer before we bought the car and am disappointed that the box is giving us problems. The specialist that changed the oil said these boxes were very difficult to fix. Are there places that can overhaul these boxes reliably?

[Bernard333]

Originally Posted by gdibuk

Are there places that can overhaul these boxes reliably?

Yes there are a few auto specialists about who have real experience repairing them and unfortunately theres also many who say they can but end up doing more damage when they try , see the threads about garages replacing the ATF by undoing the main bolt holding third gear in place mistaking it for the filler cap . I would recommend Transmission Technology in Solihull , they know what they are doing .

[gdibuk]

Thanks, I have seen a few references to them so will give them a call, what sort of cost can I expect?

[Bernard333]

I dont know what they would charge as you dont know exactly whats wrong yet . A main dealer will not work on the box they will replace it with a brand new unit at a price of £3691.00 , the auto box specialists charge approx half that for a reconditioned unit . Dont take the advice of a main dealer they will nearly always tell you it needs a brand new gearbox and it could be something less drastic .

[TurboZutek]

Originally Posted by gdibuk

Volvo say the oil should not need changing unless used as a taxi.

Originally Posted by Bernard333

Dont take the advice of a main dealer

[JohnTR]

Hello all

My first proper post - can you help a total Volvo novice with a brief howto on changing the autobox oil and replacing the B4 thing ?

The car has the normal problem of jerky changes and probably never had an oil change.

Firstly what does the B4 thing actually do, and what does changing it achieve, and secondly where to put the oil in !

THanks

JTR

[Rossi-fan]

Hello John. Firstly, what mileage is on your car? Is it standard Auto or Geartronic? And, Have you checked the condition of the ATF? A good starting point is to get some new oil in, then take it from there.