Automatic Transmission - Shifts Are Slow - 2001 V70

meauxhawk1 · Post by **meauxhawk1** » 03 Jul 2010, 12:57

I own a 2001 V70 T5. First thing in the morning when the car is cold ( in Florida it doesn't stay cold long ) the shift from 1st to 2nd or 3rd when I am in Drive is delayed. The owner manaul does not discuss anything about transmission fluid or service. Does this sound like a major transmission issue?

There is 145000 mi on the transmission.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 03 Jul 2010, 13:10

Depending on how bad it is is, it may or may not be normal. I'm pretty certain that the transmissions are designed to hold the lower gears longer when the car is cold in order to warm up faster. It's noticeable on my 2000 sometimes, especially when it's freezing out, 1st gear will hold for maybe 500-600 RPM longer than when it's hot.

If that car has never had tranny fluid service, now would be a great time to start. DO NOT have your transmission "flushed", but instead you should drain the fluid from the plug (you'll get about 3.5 quarts) and then replace exactly what came out back into the transmission (through the ATF dipstick tube). One of these drain and fills gets out about 1/3 of the fluid. So doing 3-4 is ideal (or how many your wallet can handle). I've done 5 or 6 so far on my XC, and I'm very glad I did!

For a 2001, you'll need a JWS 3309 ATF. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF meets that requirement, but you can also use Mobil 3309 or Toyota Type IV fluid. All way cheaper than going to the dealer for it!

bocephus · Post by **bocephus** » 03 Jul 2010, 13:28

If the symptoms go away once the tranny is warmed up, then I wouldn't worry too much about the transmission having any "deeper" issues. I was experiencing the same issues as you, until I did an IPD-style fluid flush and replaced the Volvo ATF (non-synthetic) with Amsoil ATF (full synthetic, and JWS 3309 compatible). Transmission shifts without a hitch now, even first thing in the morning!

Post by **JRL** » 03 Jul 2010, 15:15

ecbsykes wrote:Depending on how bad it is is, it may or may not be normal. I'm pretty certain that the transmissions are designed to hold the lower gears longer when the car is cold in order to warm up faster. It's noticeable on my 2000 sometimes, especially when it's freezing out, 1st gear will hold for maybe 500-600 RPM longer than when it's hot.

If that car has never had tranny fluid service, now would be a great time to start. DO NOT have your transmission "flushed", but instead you should drain the fluid from the plug (you'll get about 3.5 quarts) and then replace exactly what came out back into the transmission (through the ATF dipstick tube). One of these drain and fills gets out about 1/3 of the fluid. So doing 3-4 is ideal (or how many your wallet can handle). I've done 5 or 6 so far on my XC, and I'm very glad I did!

For a 2001, you'll need a JWS 3309 ATF. Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF meets that requirement, but you can also use Mobil 3309 or Toyota Type IV fluid. All way cheaper than going to the dealer for it!

All of this is correct
Do a couple of drain and fills as stated above
This is more or less normal IN COLD WEATHER, but in Fl there really shouldn't have much of a lag (if any) beyond the first set of shifts out of your driveway.

meauxhawk1 · Post by **meauxhawk1** » 05 Jul 2010, 06:29

Okay can try the fluid replacement, but I do not have a full Volvo repair manual. I do not see the transmission fluid dipstick noted in the Owner Manual deleivered with the car. Also the drain plug from the transmission, does it need any type of "O" ring or metal washer? My '68 280SL have a brass washer.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 05 Jul 2010, 13:12

Hello, Drain plug:24mm. Aluminum crush washer 18mm I.D.; they're available through site sponsors {IPD, FCPGroton, eEuroparts} for much less than a dealership. Sometimes you'll find them on racks in auto parts stores but frequently not. Kira

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 05 Jul 2010, 13:21

the tranny dipstick is a short yellow one and is below a couple of hoses, remove the plastic tube that goes to the air cleaner box and is below the lower radiator hose.

look with good lighting and you'll see it.

Post by **matthew1** » 06 Jul 2010, 08:53

You have to take the airbox off to get to it. It's buried.