Auto Gearbox query.

leswindeler · Mar 17th, 2011, 16:31

I have noticed when setting off from a stand that the engine revs pick up as normal but the Auto gearbox bumps before the car moves off. A bit like the trans fluid pressure has to build up a little. Other than that the gears seem fine apart from a couple of times when the revs have risen more than normal when changing from first to second with a cold engine during the winter.
Has anyone any info' on this problem please.
Regards. Les.

altajeli · Mar 17th, 2011, 17:47

check level ASAP! check when gearbox and operating temp, whilst car engine running move selector between PRD43L and back again to prime all the gears then check level. If its a d5 the dip stick is on the front of the gearbox, on the right buried at the bottom, it has a yellow top!

fluid may need changing too.

Jim314 · Mar 17th, 2011, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by leswindeler

I have noticed when setting off from a stand that the engine revs pick up as normal but the Auto gearbox bumps before the car moves off. A bit like the trans fluid pressure has to build up a little. Other than that the gears seem fine apart from a couple of times when the revs have risen more than normal when changing from first to second with a cold engine during the winter.
Has anyone any info' on this problem please.
Regards. Les.

I second the opinion that you should check the fluid level and almost certainly change the ATF. Search on this site about the procedure for this. Determine what transmission you have from the aluminium tag on the top of the transmission housing, obstructions do make it hard to read. Probably it is an Aisin AW 55-50/51SN. If so, it takes an ATF meeting the JWS 3309 specification. Do not just go to any shop and have them change your ATF.

Your 2001 V70 2.4T may be in the time when the auto transmission automatically shifted into N (neutral) when the vehicle was stopped in Drive. The purpose was to save fuel at idle and to reduce heating of the ATF. This proved to be undesirable and there are software upgrades which disable this feature.

mikealder · Mar 17th, 2011, 18:51

Another way to check whether this is software related is to use the handbrake while at traffic lights rather than the footbrake, it shouldn't drop in to N with the footbrake off while stationary using the handbrake and therefore set off without the delay and associated bang.

You could get the software changed so it doesn't go in to N on th efootbrake or simply use the handbrake (much cheaper and just as effective) - Mike

Jim314 · Mar 17th, 2011, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikealder

Another way to check whether this is software related is to use the handbrake while at traffic lights rather than the footbrake, it shouldn't drop in to N with the footbrake off while stationary using the handbrake and therefore set off without the delay and associated bang.

You could get the software changed so it doesn't go in to N on th efootbrake or simply use the handbrake (much cheaper and just as effective) - Mike

I am pretty much of a penny pincher, and willing to go to some considerable trouble to save money, but using the parking brake at each stoplight would be way beyond what I would consider. I would think that would prematurely wear out the parking brake mechanism.

I don't detect that my 2004 V70 petrol 170 with AW55-51SN 5-spd transmission goes into N at stops. When I take my foot off the brake and press the accelerator pedal it smoothly takes off. I have had the ATF changed once at the Volvo dealer (~US$350).

mikealder · Mar 17th, 2011, 19:14

Jim, your V70 probably has the software modification to stop it dropping in to N, without the software mod the use of the handbrake is a work around, bearing in mind the vehicle isn't moving when you apply the handbrake there is very little to wear - Mike

leswindeler · Mar 17th, 2011, 21:52

Funny that the issue of going into neutral has been mentioned as sometimes when I am stopped at lights I get the sensation of putting the car into drive from neutral without actually touching the gear lever. It's as though the gearbox is doing it itself.
I will have a good look at the fluid level when I go back to France tomorrow.
As for reprogramming the box, my French isn't that good and I know without asking the local Volvo mech' that all I will get is the usual Galic shrug!
C'est la vie de mon ami.

roundyuk · Mar 18th, 2011, 19:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim314

I second the opinion that you should check the fluid level and almost certainly change the ATF. Search on this site about the procedure for this. Determine what transmission you have from the aluminium tag on the top of the transmission housing, obstructions do make it hard to read. Probably it is an Aisin AW 55-50/51SN. If so, it takes an ATF meeting the JWS 3309 specification. Do not just go to any shop and have them change your ATF.

Your 2001 V70 2.4T may be in the time when the auto transmission automatically shifted into N (neutral) when the vehicle was stopped in Drive. The purpose was to save fuel at idle and to reduce heating of the ATF. This proved to be undesirable and there are software upgrades which disable this feature.

I think I've felt this on my 2003 V70 D5 - should one of this year have that feature?

Also, i think sometimes the hill hold (i think the V70 autos have it) can make this sensation - (unless this is actually the N shift...)

roundyuk · Mar 19th, 2011, 08:46

Should the gear indicator change to N or should you just feel it??

leswindeler · Mar 20th, 2011, 08:55

Can't say as I've noticed the indicator change but I certainly get the sensation of having selected drive from neutral. Weird.
I will be checking the fluid level today so will let you know what happens.

Mar 17th, 2011, 16:31	#1
leswindeler Junior Member Last Online: Nov 15th, 2021 10:05 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cigne	Auto Gearbox query. I have noticed when setting off from a stand that the engine revs pick up as normal but the Auto gearbox bumps before the car moves off. A bit like the trans fluid pressure has to build up a little. Other than that the gears seem fine apart from a couple of times when the revs have risen more than normal when changing from first to second with a cold engine during the winter. Has anyone any info' on this problem please. Regards. Les. __________________ 2001 V70 2.4T + BSR stage 1, 18" Pegasus wheels, Chrome/Black mesh grille, lowered 30mm, Black Diamond slotted & drilled discs. Predator Pads.

Mar 17th, 2011, 19:14	#6
mikealder VOC Member Last Online: Nov 6th, 2016 10:18 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Blackpool UK	Jim, your V70 probably has the software modification to stop it dropping in to N, without the software mod the use of the handbrake is a work around, bearing in mind the vehicle isn't moving when you apply the handbrake there is very little to wear - Mike Last edited by mikealder; Mar 17th, 2011 at 19:15. Reason: Typo

Mar 17th, 2011, 21:52	#7
leswindeler Junior Member Last Online: Nov 15th, 2021 10:05 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cigne	Funny that the issue of going into neutral has been mentioned as sometimes when I am stopped at lights I get the sensation of putting the car into drive from neutral without actually touching the gear lever. It's as though the gearbox is doing it itself. I will have a good look at the fluid level when I go back to France tomorrow. As for reprogramming the box, my French isn't that good and I know without asking the local Volvo mech' that all I will get is the usual Galic shrug! C'est la vie de mon ami. __________________ 2001 V70 2.4T + BSR stage 1, 18" Pegasus wheels, Chrome/Black mesh grille, lowered 30mm, Black Diamond slotted & drilled discs. Predator Pads.

Mar 20th, 2011, 08:55	#10
leswindeler Junior Member Last Online: Nov 15th, 2021 10:05 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cigne	Can't say as I've noticed the indicator change but I certainly get the sensation of having selected drive from neutral. Weird. I will be checking the fluid level today so will let you know what happens. __________________ 2001 V70 2.4T + BSR stage 1, 18" Pegasus wheels, Chrome/Black mesh grille, lowered 30mm, Black Diamond slotted & drilled discs. Predator Pads.

Mar 17th, 2011, 17:47	#2
altajeli Member Last Online: Mar 6th, 2012 21:55 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: essex	check level ASAP! check when gearbox and operating temp, whilst car engine running move selector between PRD43L and back again to prime all the gears then check level. If its a d5 the dip stick is on the front of the gearbox, on the right buried at the bottom, it has a yellow top! fluid may need changing too.

Mar 17th, 2011, 18:51	#4
mikealder VOC Member Last Online: Nov 6th, 2016 10:18 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Blackpool UK	Another way to check whether this is software related is to use the handbrake while at traffic lights rather than the footbrake, it shouldn't drop in to N with the footbrake off while stationary using the handbrake and therefore set off without the delay and associated bang. You could get the software changed so it doesn't go in to N on th efootbrake or simply use the handbrake (much cheaper and just as effective) - Mike

Mar 19th, 2011, 08:46	#9
roundyuk Senior Member Last Online: May 27th, 2022 10:55 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hampshire	Should the gear indicator change to N or should you just feel it??

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