1-2 And 2-3 Shift Flares, Transmission Hits Hard When Downshifting To Stop Light: On Hot Transmission Only

[Anatoli]

2003 v70 175K miles: non-turbo 5 speed automatic.

fluid is clean T-IV and the level is good.

When transmission is cold it works just fine, but once it starts warming up: say sitting in traffic on a hot day or after a highway cruise it starts acting up.

i've done the b4 servo cover, just because it's cheap

also have installed an aux trans oil cooler.

no codes via DICE

what would be my next step? valve body or find a whole good trans (not an easy feat probably).

thanks

[jda2000]

I've read in another volvo forum, somebody has had success fixing this problem by replacing the " 3 linear solenoids". I am not familiar which are these linear solenoids.

He says that a valve body rebuilt is unnecessary, and that he has fixed several P2s with shifting problem by just replacing these 3 linear solenoids. He even says that is a DIY project that takes about 3 hrs.

[NJGreenBudd]

Do you have VIDA/Dice or at least access to it? Go under the vehicle communications tab and select the TCM, use the reset fluid counter feauture to reset the systems pressure points for shifts, I had flare after my most recent flush a few days ago and reset the fluid count and it had been perfect ever since. You can also do the entire adaptive reset withing VIDA as well if you want to take things further.

[Anatoli]

Do you have VIDA/Dice or at least access to it? ....

i do have a dice unit at home.

i did the reset of adaptives, reset of counters, and did a adaptive drive to the best of my abilities.

All this does not seem to help when trans gets hot.

i did read about the 3 linear solenoid procedure. I'm sure it's DIY, pretty much the same as taking out the valve body.

once you have it from under the car you can either, put in a rebuilt unit or change out the solenoids.

These solenoids are about $100-150 each, so replacing 3 would be under $450.

I'm sure i would have to start saving up for the vavlebody or solenoids.

[jda2000]

Anatoli,

if you do go this route, take pictures and post back on your success or failure.

The guy that posted the 3 linear solenoids exchange success, apparently has a shop and has fixed several automatic P2's with the shifting problem.

He did get p***** off at me, when I commented that this was the first time I've read about real success in just replacing solenoids. We need to see more success stories from other volvo enthusiasts to say that he's onto something good :P

[NJGreenBudd]

gotcha.

http://volvoforums.c...-55-50-a-58714/

I replace the linear solenoids. Mileage on the vehicles ranged from 70k to 185k. In all cases' date=' we did a complete fluid change and replaced the linear solenoids. After a shift relearn of the transmission computer, they shift just fine.[/i']

Also, the neutral feature that you mention DID NOT harm the transmission. In fact, it helps it run cooler, but had driver perception issues. So, the software update removed the feature.

Please do not repeat everything that you "hear" about these transmissions as you are not correct in your position.

something along these lines? http://www.ebay.com/...2450921&vxp=mtr

I wonder if it's any easier to just buy an entire used trans?

[Anatoli]

i've seen this link. there are a few others.

with valvebody you do not need to remove the transmission, so it might be simpler that way for some.

another thing is that when buying used there's a chance to find another unit with "flares", unless you shell out about 5K for a factory rebuild from Volvo.

So $275+ (+ for fluid and the sealant) and you sweat equity looks much cheaper than everything else at this point.

[Anatoli]

ok, looks like i found that thread jda2000 was talking about and participating in

http://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-v70-13/transmission-shift-solution-aw-55-50-a-58714/

[NJGreenBudd]

see first link in post #6 for same discussion.

I didn't realize these could be changed with the trans still in the car, that makes a big difference. I am lucky so far, knock on wood, at 180,000 and no odd shifting yet but I like to hear about stuff like this just in case.

Please do follow up and let us know what happens.

[Anatoli]

oops, i did miss that link in your post.

i also wrote to tony1963 (OP of the thread) to ask about specifics of the rebuild with 3 solenoids.

We'll see how it all works out.

Here's the link to R&R of VB on an XC (FWD is the same if not easier).

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Fvolvoxc.com%2Fresources%2Fhow-to%2Fpdf%2F2002-V70-XC-Valve-Body-Replacement-Notes.pdf

[jda2000]

Anatoli, NJGreenBudd

both of you are great detectives, you found the thread I was talking about Greatttt!

[JRL]

You people don't understand

Even if it needs a new valvebody, the chances that most of the rest of the transmission is totally worn out is VERY good.

At 180K miles it doesn't make too much sense putting too much good money after bad into this

[Anatoli]

to tell you the truth, money is tight, and I would rather go through all cheap (compared to the price of the used transmission, not to mention a rebuilt or remanuf from volvo) fixes.