'04 Transmission FWD rebuild?

Faust · Post by **Faust** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:23 am

Thinking of looking at a '04 v70 FWD. $400. Pictures look good but ad notes it will soon require a transmission rebuild. Any estimates of cost, and/or time?

Blacklab467 · Post by **Blacklab467** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:45 am

How many miles on it? I had about 220,000 miles on mine and it was displaying symptoms of a transmission failure/ slipping, etc. After some research I concluded that the symptoms could be rectified with a valve body kit and rebuilding or replacing the linear solenoids.
I see a lot of xc 70's and V70's for sale cheap with " worn out transmissions". I personally have not encountered an Aisin Warner Volvo transmission that has "worn out" ie: bands and friction material that have completely worn. Many of these vehicles go upwards of 300,000 miles before failure due to wear.
If the vehicle is in otherwise good shape and with reasonable mileage it is probably worth the gamble. I assume from your other vehicles that you are mechanically proficient. There are plenty of write ups on servicing the valve body/ solenoids and changing the fluid in the transmission.
I did mine about 6 months ago for about $200 in parts including fluid and 2 days labor. The results were a transmission that was like new and any shifting issues were resolved.

Faust · Post by **Faust** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 11:52 am

So, if the fluid doesn't look burned, I should think repair, rather than rebuild? Ad doesn't give mileage, I have made inquiry.

Blacklab467 · Post by **Blacklab467** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 1:10 pm

I would, also see how the maintenance history looks if he has any records, and if the CEL is on. That's generally what I look for when considering a new used vehicle.
For many people that cannot do DIY repairs, the cost estimates at a shop or worse yet, a Volvo dealership are prohibitive, particularly on a 16 year old vehicle. Also most shops are reluctant to actually "repair" a component when they can defer to an R&R with a new or warranted used part.
You should find out a little bit more info on the vehicle and report back.

Faust · Post by **Faust** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 3:48 pm

Owner reports "about 157.000 miles", "dashboard goes on an off". No CEL.

Blacklab467 · Post by **Blacklab467** » Mon Jul 27, 2020 6:21 pm

Sounds like it needs a DIM overhaul. That's about 4-500 USD.