2000 V70R Not Engaging Any Gear

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 22 Apr 2018, 07:36

I just picked up a 2000 R project the other day, and I'm very excited to get it back on the road! There's one big issue with the car... it won't engage any gear.
When you move the shifter, the RPMs drop as you would expect, but the car doesn't move at all. I know this is the troublesome AW55 in this car, and I know they are known for cooking solenoids. After reading, I'm pretty sure that is the problem since the transmission spontaneously stopped working. The PO told me he was dailying the car until one morning it just wouldn't go into gear.
He put in some kind of transmission fluid additive, which scares the hell out of me, but I'm hoping that didn't do any damage since the car hasn't been driven since adding it. I plan to order some Mobil 3309 today and change out the fluid just to get that additive out of there.

Now, is there any way I can test the solenoids in the transmission? I know at least two (correct me if I'm wrong) are located behind that access panel in the front of the transmission, so access shouldn't be too awful.
Then, is there a code reader I can buy that can read transmission codes on this car? Unfortunately my Vol-FCR isn't going to work with ME7 cars...
I know iCarsoft makes a scanner that FCP carries, but I want to see if I can find one under the $150 range if possible.

Post by **tryingbe** » 22 Apr 2018, 12:30

Can a M56H be swapped in easily?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 22 Apr 2018, 16:12

tryingbe wrote: ↑22 Apr 2018, 12:30 Can a M56H be swapped in easily?

The more I think about it, the more I consider going that route. I can get an M56 locally, and it would likely be around the same cost as a solenoid. I'd just have to see what all I need to do the swap, and how what needs to be done with the TCM since the car is on Motronic 7 (although I don't know that that aspect is any different from M4.4).
Not like I need the AWD, the driveshaft isn't even there anymore. An M56 swap is an option.

Post by **FLXC90** » 22 Apr 2018, 20:14

S40/v50 AWD T-5 manual trans swap donor?

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 22 Apr 2018, 21:15

That's a good way for me to get it AWD again. Again, definitely something to consider.

Does anyone have any input on the AW55 solenoids though?

configsys · Post by **configsys** » 22 Apr 2018, 21:23

Do you know anyone nearby with a VIDA/DICE setup who can read off the codes is any?

Post by **abscate** » 23 Apr 2018, 04:45

A manual swap will need a ECu flash as it is expecting signals from an A55. I just ran into someone who did a 2000R conversion via a friend. I think I would grab a A55 from Erie before trying a swap, stage zero the car, then think about it a swap

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 23 Apr 2018, 11:08

I don't know of anyone locally with VIDA/DICE.
The only reason I'd manual swap it is for the cost difference vs. fixing the AW55, but the more I think about it it won't make much sense. Sure, it's an R, but I don't even know how long I'll have it. And it really isn't the "build" I want to do right now, even though it's something I've wanted. Although this car would be pretty fast and loads of fun to drive, I just can't justify the cost right now.
I don't typically keep cars long anyway. My GLT is the only car I've owned for longer than 4 months, so I'd hate to do all that work just to turn around and sell it.
I have to think about my options a little more.

Then I read about the top plug on the AW55 is not a fill plug... and I'm pretty sure the PO used that to fill it with his magic transmission additive... great. I'm getting more and more discouraged that this transmission is not repairable.
Which leads me to my next question... what other cars can I get this transmission from? Are early P2s a direct swap into the R? Like I said before, I'm not worried about retaining the AWD, it's not even connnected now anyway.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Apr 2018, 15:56

V/S70 2000 year also use the same trans, but without the AWD facility if you want a non-AWD option. You may need to speak to a trans expert to find out if the gearing and fitment are the same. The 2001-03 (I believe) also used this version of the trans but I am not 100% on that. The V70XC (P2 version) has the AWD version too. Software is the bigger issue. Biggest issue is getting a good trans as most folks didn't bother servicing them so you may not buy something any better. Do you have a good trans shop around that can check the trans out of the car? They may also be able to pull codes for you, but the issue is getting it there first.

I have a 00 V70R AW55 trans in the garage, but it is an unknown quantity. When I have too much time on my hands I plan to take that to a trans company in the city that claims they can test the trans out of the car. If it is otherwise good I may then replace the servos and stash it should I need it for the 00 'R' I have.

Neil.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 23 Apr 2018, 16:45

I don't know of any transmission shops around here, at least any good ones. I don't trust many local mechanics after what I've seen several of them do to other peoples' cars. I'm one of those rely on nobody DIY kinda guys.

I know the NA models use this 5 speed in 2000, but it's easier to find early P2 cars at junkyards. I'll have to do a little more research on that.
I don't want to spend the money to get one that's "known good." Plus I wouldn't trust that anyway... I'd rather pay 1/4 of the price and take the gamble. My cousin just got screwed on an engine that was supposed to be tested good, we got it, put it in his Durango and now the timing chain makes a nasty noise.