Flaring / Slipping Transmission (2007 D5)

[Dxthomas]

So after flushing my transmission back in May (190,000 miles), I've done a fair few long journeys - with mileage now at 195,000 miles.

Very occasionally the transmission slips (flares)- revs go sky high, and then the gearbox engages with a bang (usually in 2nd gear).

It had never happened before the fluid change, and I would guess it has happened only 4 or 5 times in the last 5000 miles.

Can't seem to spot any pattern, and it's happening so infrequently that I'm not sure what to think. Maybe:

• I've disturbed some sludge during the flush?
• Worn gearbox mount?
• Gearbox doesn't like new oil?
• Worn transmission valve?
• Worn clutch bands?

Any thoughts?

Link to my intro thread: https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=278206

Link to my flush thread:https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=281746

[Dxthomas]

I should have mentioned - at about the same time as me changing the transmission fluid, my local garage changed out the differential fluids and the Haldex fluid/filter (all using genuine Volvo parts).

Might be relevant (but guessing not).

[Tannaton]

Did you use JWS3309 spec oil? If so it should be fine. Suggest you check it to see if it's still red or has gone black?

The other thing to do is reset the gearbox adaptation memory but I would think that's an outside chance of fixing a fault like this.

[XJSDriver]

There are numerous videos on Youtube explaining the chance of this type of problem after a fluid change, as you are removing the material in the dirty fluid which helps provide friction between worn clutch plates but as you are getting a 'bang' on changing gear could be a sticking solenoid I guess?

[Danielpsmith]

I had the exact same thing happen to my 56 reg d5 auto, I had a new valve block fitted and it was like a new car after.

Daniel

[cassell]

I had EXACTLY the same symptoms and fault with a 55 plate D5 XC90 I once owned, a fluid change, re-adaptation and software update didn't cure it.

It ended up having a replacement gearbox fitted, although a new valve body may have done the trick, the independent specialist I used had a good box on the shelf so it was a quicker, easier job.

[luggsey]

Originally Posted by Dxthomas

So after flushing my transmission back in May (190,000 miles), I've done a fair few long journeys - with mileage now at 195,000 miles.

Very occasionally the transmission slips (flares)- revs go sky high, and then the gearbox engages with a bang (usually in 2nd gear).

It had never happened before the fluid change, and I would guess it has happened only 4 or 5 times in the last 5000 miles.

Can't seem to spot any pattern, and it's happening so infrequently that I'm not sure what to think. Maybe:

• I've disturbed some sludge during the flush?
• Worn gearbox mount?
• Gearbox doesn't like new oil?
• Worn transmission valve?
• Worn clutch bands?

Any thoughts?

Link to my intro thread: https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=278206

Link to my flush thread:https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=281746

It's likely a sticking solenoid, mine had fresh oil in the box at 225k and behaved terribly afterwards!
Four times in five thousand miles would not encourage me to spend cash trying to cure this tbh.
I would get the adaptions memory cleared, I did that after a year of running clean oil and my box improved greatly.

Just to confirm you say you flushed the box, do you mean a full oil change or were you dropping oil only from the sump?

[galloot633]

Mine was doing that at 120k but 3 to 4 , worse in hot weather , fluid change made no difference, out of desperation I added some Lucas conditioner which instantly made a big difference , still not as smooth as other gear shifts but tolerable, 50 k later and it's back , should get a replacement valve body really , but in hot, stop start traffic I use manual ( less shifts ) and I get by , shame as it's the only fault on the car
Dave

[oragex]

A complete fluid replacement in one step is not recommended when the box has high miles on it (over 120k) and/or the car is used mostly for open road.

In such situations the best is to replace no more than 30% at once then drive for a few months and replace again to give the transmission time to adjust to the new fluid properties. Even then, I would personally not replace more than 30% of the old fluid as long as the car is shifting ok.

It may be combination of old solenoids (less free to move as they should) and fresh fluid which has different properties than the old one.

As others mentioned, some also tried to reset the adaptations but that can make it even worse at this point as the box will then think it works with a new valve body.

[Dxthomas]

Thanks everyone.

The Gibbons method was used back in May - with the correct fluid (Mobil ATF 3309).

I'll see how it goes over the next few months - and maybe try an adaptions reset.

I guess if ultimately, I need a new valve body or some new solenoids - then it's worth it, as the car is otherwise in great condition (& I love it!).