AWD Transmission: gearbox problems

[Bonefishblues]

Originally Posted by barrybritcher

High failure rate from low miles. But I guess they also sold a lot.

BUT! how often do you get a post "my manual box shat itself"

They don't fail in other applications where atf changes are specified, and often live for 120-140k miles with nil maintenance in Volvos. I think that the AW box is unfairly maligned, and it's Volvo's 'sealed for life' nonsense that's the real villain here.

As an example, I used to be active on the uksaabs forum, and you'd think it was a different 'box being used!

... but of course check it within an inch of its life if buying a Volvo with the AW 55, because above

[barrybritcher]

yea but the Saab will blow the pistons lol

[sadsack]

It must be something in the air but my XC70 2005 box died yesterday.
All was lovely until coming up a long incline and the box started to hunt for a gear, the lock up clutch in the converter wouldn't stay engaged and the revs were all over the place. I had to stop at a roundabout and when pulling away the car snatched on take off but changed up ok and ran perfectly for half a mile and then all drive was lost. I coasted in to stop, tried switching off and on again but no difference. Checked the dipstick for fluid, all present and correct but slight burnt smell. Called the RAC and waited an hour. Technician started it up after preliminary checks and the car would move back and forward. He then ran diagnostics and said there were no codes set. He followed me as I attempted the last mile to home and again, after half a mile, it died.
After checking around with 3 different companies, the upshot is its probably the torque converter lock up friction material thats let go and spread itself through the box. Its thick enough to block the pick up to the pump and kill the feed. By leaving it for a while, the sludge drifts away and pressure is restored and then it clogs up again.
Recon box time.