Jerky initial acceleration - XC60 T5 2.0

[downunder24]

I have a FWD 2012 XC60 T5, with the 2.0 turbo 4 cylinder engine BT4204T7 and 6 speed Powershift transmission. The initial acceleration is very aggressive and jerky, often causing the front tyres to spin and lose traction for a couple of moments. This is more pronounced going uphill from stationary. After that, the trans shifts beautifully.
Does this sound like a transmission issue or is it possible to make any adjustments to the torque converter to dial down the initial acceleration?
Thanks.

[Easington]

If it's the Powershift transmission it has dual clutches not a torque converter.

It could be due a fluid change or perhaps there is a software update

[DT19]

I have the same engine and gearbox in my S60 and I've had the occasional jerk when pulling away (no, stop making up your own jokes)

It's happened much less since a full gearbox flush, oil and filter change and a software update, it happens perhaps 1 in 50 times of setting off from a junction. Before I had the oil change etc done I also found it happened less often with the traction control switched off.

There's a lot of waffle talked about how unreliable these gearboxes are in Fords, some of it is true but it seems that if they have regular oil/filter changes they're fine in the Volvo's. Of course, now I've said that mine will explode when I next start the car. There is also talk of how the clutch surfaces can benefit from a clean occasionally. Apparently contaminants can build up make it less effective. I can't say if this is correct or not but I tried the recommended method and it did seem to make a difference. From memory it was, put the box in sport mode, turn off traction control and floor the throttle, let it redline and change through all the gears then slow down and stop, do this five times, obviously somewhere safe and not on a public road.

[downunder24]

I did have the transmission serviced at an independent garage at 61,000km, but they did not have access to software updates. I will check at the dealer and post an update after that. Thanks for all the feedback!

[downunder24]

After a further bit of online searching, I tried the following recommendation from "vegachicago" on the Focus fanatics forum.
1) Run engine, set to N
2) Turn off, wait 15 sec
3) Shift to P
4) Ignition on (engine not running) 15 sec
5) Turn off, then on again.
6) Shift to N
7) Turn off, shift to P, start and drive.
Worked for me!!

[andrewsc]

I had the 2012 XC60 T5 with the troublesome gearbox for five years. Sure as hell, the gearbox was gradually getting worse. Jerky start, trepidation on slow climb, just wouldn't slip. At 116,000km, I was preparing for write-off. I wasn't even sure I wanted to drive the crappy car for too long.

Then, without warning, the battery died this week. The roadside assist technician replaced it with a new one. It cost twice as much as an ordinary battery, at $A300 (Sydney). Surprise: the car runs smoothly, never jerks, gearbox able to slip at slow speeds.

The difference is amazing. Now I hope the car will last for many more years. I even made up a theory: perhaps the dual clutch is pressed together by electrical magnets. Perhaps the old battery wasn't able to supply the full current required by the solenoids. Who knows?

Worth trying, if you have similar gearbox problems. The cost of a new battery, even for a Volvo, is negligible compared to the cost gearbox maintenance. Just make sure it's installed by an experienced technician.

[Easington]

Originally Posted by andrewsc

I had the 2012 XC60 T5 with the troublesome gearbox for five years. Sure as hell, the gearbox was gradually getting worse. Jerky start, trepidation on slow climb, just wouldn't slip. At 116,000km, I was preparing for write-off. I wasn't even sure I wanted to drive the crappy car for too long.

Then, without warning, the battery died this week. The roadside assist technician replaced it with a new one. It cost twice as much as an ordinary battery, at $A300 (Sydney). Surprise: the car runs smoothly, never jerks, gearbox able to slip at slow speeds.

The difference is amazing. Now I hope the car will last for many more years. I even made up a theory: perhaps the dual clutch is pressed together by electrical magnets. Perhaps the old battery wasn't able to supply the full current required by the solenoids. Who knows?

Worth trying, if you have similar gearbox problems. The cost of a new battery, even for a Volvo, is negligible compared to the cost gearbox maintenance. Just make sure it's installed by an experienced technician.

I used to work with a lady who had a CLK and she suffered gearbox problems until a battery was changed