lockup function and torque converter? Really??

kaydee · Post by **kaydee** » 27 Jan 2010, 09:48

Yesterday my engine light came on and a message "transmission service required." I took my car in to the Volvo dealership immediately. I was told today the lockup function is "on" and the torque converter is "broken." Car has 91k miles on it, all services completed, at 78k they did a transmission service. The upshot, dealer says new transmission at 5k -- does this sound anywhere close to reasonable? I have never had a Volvo requiring a transmission replacement, and this is my 5th Volvo. Thanks for any help/ideas.

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 27 Jan 2010, 10:02

I would get a second opinion if you can. Not all dealers are created equal. Being that you took it to the dealer, I'm going to assume they already checked for the latest software for the TCM (transmission control module). If the software is up to date, the next thing you can do is have them clear all the codes and drive it. Hopefully the service trans light will not come back on.

Do you notice or feel the trans acting up? Or is it just the light that made you go have it checked out?

kaydee · Post by **kaydee** » 27 Jan 2010, 10:19

Driving perfectly until the light and message came on, then the car made a little "lurch." Immediately after the car was sluggish going up a hill and didn't accelerate well from a full stop. I drove to my office and called my dealer. When I left later in afternoon to take the car in, it drove perfectly, no accleration issues, no problems.

rbodor3 · Post by **rbodor3** » 27 Jan 2010, 13:51

highly doubt your torque converter is bad
get a second opinion

there were a lot of updates to the various transmission components in the pre-2004 V/S-platform volvos (including your XC). Things to look out for are if your TCM has all the proper updates (there were quite a few, although I think by 03 you should have come with them), also the B4 servo cover, lastly the possibility that your valve body solenoid is bad. Some of the "veins" in transmission are a bit small and by not changing the transmission fluid (dealership doesn't) they can build and gunk up over time, or with really aggressive driving. None of these would require complete transmission replacement.

Rebuilt transmission ~$2,000
Install by an independent Volvo shop ~$1,500
Reprogramming @ dealership required, not sure on price off top of my head.

kaydee · Post by **kaydee** » 27 Jan 2010, 14:02

Thank you for your thoughts on this. I called my Volvo dealer to give them the information you provided, and some other things I pulled from the forum -- I'll see what happens.
I just had the transmission service/new fluid, etc., completed at 78k - I am at 91k now.

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 28 Jan 2010, 09:50

If it runs ok and still drives ok, have them clear the codes and maybe it won't come back. Normally the car will act up first, then the code will be set, not vice versa. That is why it makes me think it could just be an electrical issue.

A cheap(er) way to find out is to just keep driving it after they clear the codes, what have you got to lose right? If the message comes back on, then you will need to go back to the shop, who will want to charge you again to check the codes etc. Spending the money to re-check the codes (if they come back), would be worth it. That way you can really monitor how the trans feels with no codes, and if they come back, then it's back to square one. Good luck!