XC70: Gearbox Auto Transmission Fluid Change

[Tannaton]

+1 for a good drive between dumps, the fluid in the differential chamber, probably the largest accumulation, wont be touched much otherwise.

Clearing the adaptation memory also highly advisable.

I've also found, that if the fluid was very old, it can help to clear the adaptation memory once again after about 5k to 10k.

[Tony Rama]

Thank you Sam1 and Tannaton for the above advice.

[Tony Rama]

Contacted Horton Motors today about an oil change reset, adaptions and any software updates.

Occasionally the box thumps into D and there is a slight hesitation on some changes. Apparently, this is a well known issue arising from the original software having glitches. I was told Volvo issued an update in 2016 which cures it.

[Stu B]

I’d agree with the method of doing some mileage between drain/fills too for circulation of the oil. I’ve always done a few hundred miles (or more) between sump dumps where possible.

Interested to see how you get on with any software updates, Tony - keep us posted.

I wonder if there’s a way to see in VIDA which TCM software version you have and therefore whether updates are available? My car was last dealer serviced with the previous owner a 4-5 years ago, but I assume would have been updated with any updates then and doubt more would have been released since as it’s a 2009 model?

[Tony Rama]

Originally Posted by Stu B

I’d agree with the method of doing some mileage between drain/fills too for circulation of the oil. I’ve always done a few hundred miles (or more) between sump dumps where possible.

Interested to see how you get on with any software updates, Tony - keep us posted.

I wonder if there’s a way to see in VIDA which TCM software version you have and therefore whether updates are available? My car was last dealer serviced with the previous owner a 4-5 years ago, but I assume would have been updated with any updates then and doubt more would have been released since as it’s a 2009 model?

Will keep you updated. I'll see if I can check the software version before shelling out for the 2016. I doubt it has been updated since the service history with the previous owner, since 2015, was not Volvo, and I wouldn't have the D thump and hesitation problem if it had.

[Tannaton]

I had an issue with the gearbox thumping and banging between P, D and R on my 2015 XC60 at 100k miles and the software update completely cured it. It seems counter intuitive that a software update would fix something that you would think was a mechanical issue but it did, 35k miles later it's not happened again.

And yes you can check the software version with VIDA on the TCM, but you need an appropriately licensed version to purchase and install new varsions (i.e. dealer).

Although a service at the dealer should include software updates, mine had full main dealer history (at the same dealer) and the TCM had never been updated to either the service software update does not cover all modules or the dealer was naughty...

[Tony Rama]

Pre-update update. Checked car with Volvo main agent. No Volvo dealer had seen it since 2013. Booked it in with reputable indi (Horton Motors). Graham at Horton explained that the 2016 software update will transform the box. Smooth changes and no more thumps into D and R. They will also reset the counter and do the adaptions. This will happen on September the 8th. Watch this space, and thank you to everyone for advice.

[Tony Rama]

The actual update. Horton Cars did the software update, adaptions and oil counter reset today. I had previously changed the ATF and the gears were a little smoother. Before the update the lower 3 gears had some slight hesitation on "up" changes and there were occasional thumps into D and R. Upon driving the 40 miles home, the up changes became progressively smoother until almost imperceptible apart from rev changes. So far, no thumps into D and R. I am very happy with the results and well worth the investment.

[FORTYVALVE]

Many thanks for MartinK and others.

I just bought an XC70 with an unexpected gearbox problem showing up within hours, after a perfect 30 minute test drive, and immaculate 2007 car (00-07 mod) with TF-80 box.

on the 4 hour drive home, I was getting an "engine system service required" message as well as "gearbox service". It was sluggish on m/way hills, dropping from 70 to 60 with little response to throttle at that point. It seems to be fine, apart from a slight judder at about 30/40mph going up though the gears, until it gets warmed up.

Various other warning lights went out when I replaced the battery.

I flushed the gearbox fluid yesterday. Weirdly, I was only getting 1.5L and not 3L from the drain plug. When this first happened, I thought I'd found my problem: just not enough fluid in there. But then when I left the centre (T40) plug out, I got less than 2L in before it started dribbling from the level tube on the main drain plug. Not 3L!

Although I know the previous owner did some towing, the fluid was not black and does not smell bad. He said he'd done it 3 years ago, and not many miles since, which the records support. Sure the flushing has brightened the fluid a bit, but it's made no difference to the way the car goes or feels.

Do I consider changing the solenoid/valves? Can I do that myself without taking out the box?! Any suggestions as to what is going on will be gratefully received.

Very many thanks,

Forty

p.s. I have just read a definition of flare-ups, as I worked through these posts. Think this is one of my symptoms. I hadn't read all of these posts following MartinK's original - took me a while but I now see that maybe just maybe a "software update" may help, and resetting adaptations as well as fluid count after flushing the transmission out? Probly just wishful thinking on my part... Thanks again.

[Bonefishblues]

Lots of suggestions incoming, I'm sure (and plenty in search), but it's very sad when these 'coincidences' happen immediately after buying a car - you did everything right in terms of that lengthy test