G/box: 4T65AWD: 4T65EV/GT Failures

[Rawas]

Originally Posted by KJ4x4

Hi Rawas,

Yes, it is a 2005 T6.

Kevin

I am sorry Kevin but this is the sad reality:

Reliability

Many owners of the T6 variant reported very early transmission failures, many before 60,000 miles (97,000 km).[7][8][9] Some owners reportedly went through two transmissions in that time.[10] The GM-sourced 4T65EV/GT transmissions usually show symptoms of failure by suddenly slipping while in gear. There was not a recall for this issue, but the faults are widely known and documented. Various causes have been said, ranging from engine coolant entering the transmission fluid to problems arising from Volvo's modification of the original GM valve body[11] unit inside the transmission, but none have been substantiated. Non-GM sourced transmissions have not suffered unusual failings of this type.

[KJ4x4]

Thanks. I have seen a post suggesting they can be built with better internals to avoid failure and I was just curious whether by 2010, the replacement box had been 'fixed' by Volvo to prevent premature failure. If not, I guess I need to start a gearbox fund...

Thanks again

Kevin

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by KJ4x4

Thanks. I have seen a post suggesting they can be built with better internals to avoid failure and I was just curious whether by 2010, the replacement box had been 'fixed' by Volvo to prevent premature failure. If not, I guess I need to start a gearbox fund...

Thanks again

Kevin

Uprated parts were available by 2010.

[KJ4x4]

From what I have read, it is contamination that kills these boxes, not necessarily mechanical failure. If my reading is correct, is a more regular gearbox fluid check/change the way to go to try to reduce the risk of failure?

Thanks

Kevin

[budvar]

Model of car :xc90 t6
Model Year :reg 54
Engine : (Volvo B code & Capacity)3l
VIN (optional):
Date Issue or failure occured:sept 2012
Mileage of KM at failure (if known):82K
Description of issue or failure: check transmission warning - stuck in 3rd
Repairs Independent specialist or Main Dealer :currently too poor to take it to the indy
Rebuild of Transmission or Full Replacement:
Warranty covered : Yes/No no
If no, cost of rebuild/replacement:
Did VCC/VCUK contribute? Yes/No
If Yes, amount of contribution :

Wondered if anyone had a thoughts on how bad this is

on a day out gears started to slip then transmission service check warning came on - stuck in third gear. When the car had cooled it happily switched between gears again. dangerous i know but had to drive it home (long story) again stuck in third when warmed up. checked the fluid level and condition when home - looks to be fairly clear red colour but looks like it need a top up. How likely is it that a top up or fluid change and warning light reset will resolve this problem. Do i need to talk to the bank about a loan to buy a new tranny?

[pram man]

2005 t6 with 63k
Had the transmision warning light come on and locked itself into 3rd.
Had fault codes reset fluids changed and software update.
Still working but not convinced.
Has anyone else tried the software update?
Please someone tell me something positive. I really want to love this car but it's really pushing it's luck

[corbsxc90]

I work at a transmission specialist, We got a T6 with 4t65 in at the moment, we reconned his box at about 100k and it now back again with 175k on clock and this guy a member of horse trailer towing club (or something like that) This time it probably not as bad as first but some of these prices seem quite high but I suppose it depends where you are in the country.
A transmission service never goes amiss to help longevity. I know oils are better now than a few years ago but would you leave your engine oil in for even 30k? let alone 100k.
Also if towing a lot sometimes additional coolers an be fitted to aid cooling the transmission. As cars get older another problem is debris build up between the different radiators which reduces airflow and raises temperatures. We had a customer in with a S80 that we overhauled (AW50-51SN) and had done another 60-70k since and got a warning light on when towing his caravan, it turned out it was due to debris in between his radiators and blocked fins on his aircon rad.
I Know the box can be a bit fragile but sometimes contributing factors can cause early failures.
Regards,
Chris

[diggers253]

Hello, I have read with interest your comments. We have a 2004 T6 XC90 who's gearbox suddenly failed causing the engine to stall. We lost power and steering as we joined a roundabout. it was a close shave, caused absolute havoc and we were rescued by the AA who spotted the car from some distance and diagnosed a faulty gearbox because its a T6 XC90. They are famous for them it seems!

Volvo have since confirmed that the AA were correct. They want £4700 to replace the gearbox.

My issues are twofold. 1. VOSA have said that the vehicle suddenly breaking down eg in the outside lane of the motorway i snot dangerous enough to effect a recall, although they said that as our car loast its power steering at the same time that the engine cut out - that would be. They ahve had several complaints about this issue they aid but others have somehow manged to maintain control of the vehicle. Perhaps some do not have power steering?? 2. Volvo knew of this defect while our vehicle was under warranty. They have today told me that I must discuss the matter in court if I am not happy but as the car is out of warranty they have no responsibility at all.

It sounds to me like they are saying that so long as they can hide the defects from owners until the warranty has expired they they can get away with it.

In order to pursue the matter in court I need to gather witness statements. One car / one owner alone is unlikely to be enough.

Can you email me at xc90@yipes.co.uk if you are able to tell me about your case?

Thanks

Anthony