Yet another transmission problem thread

[Retired MVS Contributor]

I know I am going out on a limb here and this will generate a lot of flamin' fire, but here goes...

The AW55/50 SN transmission used in the XC cars is not only the EXACT same transmission used in all the other Volvo models, but it is also in Nissan, Saab, GM, Saturn, Renault, or Opel...If the XC has a crappy transmission, then so do all other Volvos and all those other makes too, because they are all MECHANICALLY identical...Only the software incorporating stop-neutral was different and was the cause of the trouble...Furthermore, if that software was removed early enough in the tranny's life, there will most likely be no trouble...Even if it wasn't removed, there are thousands of XC's out there that have never had a problem...

The Volvo in this thread has 141,000 miles on it...That's not too bad, especially if it was never upgraded...But we don't know that, maybe it was...It has been flushed and is improved a little..Maybe all it needs is some time to adapt...If it doesn't and it were mine, I would run it till it died...

The servo cap problem did not exist in all of the XC's...A check of the tranny serial number with Volvo will tell the story...The serial number is located on the top left side of the gearbox....It caused a shift flare (momentary engine runaway) between 2/3 and 3/4...A lot of owners have learned to cope by driving conservatively, but it should be fixed...

[billr99]

Basically you are correct that the 55/50 transmission is used by a number of OEMs. The problem with the Volvo implementation is that they 1) utilized their own software package that not only included the infamous stop-neutral function but also IMHO incorporates some pretty questionable shift characteristics; and 2)recommended that fluid changes were un-necessary. Both of these points are contrary to what the other OEMs do or recommend. For example, Toyota recommends a 30K mile fluid change for the same gearbox.

Now if someone had not listened to Volvo's recommendations when they bought their car new and did all the "right things" then their gearbox probably would live as long as those other implementations of the same mechanicals. But how many folks actually over-maintain their cars, especially Volvos? And even if they did, would that compensate for a bad software package? Bottom line is that Volvo blew it with the 55/50 and they have done little to correct their design mistakes.

Cheers,

Bill

[JRL]

Well said

[Retired MVS Contributor]

Told ya!1...

[Retired MVS Contributor]

Basically you are correct that the 55/50 transmission is used by a number of OEMs. The problem with the Volvo implementation is that they 1) utilized their own software package that not only included the infamous stop-neutral function but also IMHO incorporates some pretty questionable shift characteristics; and 2)recommended that fluid changes were un-necessary. Both of these points are contrary to what the other OEMs do or recommend. For example, Toyota recommends a 30K mile fluid change for the same gearbox.

Now if someone had not listened to Volvo's recommendations when they bought their car new and did all the "right things" then their gearbox probably would live as long as those other implementations of the same mechanicals. But how many folks actually over-maintain their cars, especially Volvos? And even if they did, would that compensate for a bad software package? Bottom line is that Volvo blew it with the 55/50 and they have done little to correct their design mistakes.

Cheers,

Bill

We actually agree, Bill...Nice to met you , by the way...

My point was that it was not helpful to folks with problems to trash the transmission when the root of the problem lies elsewhere...I never found anything anywhere in any of my owner's manuals or such that recommoned NOT to change the fluid...It is recommended to check the fluid every 15,000 miles and "correct or replace as necessary"...To me that means they expect you to use your own judgement, observe coloration, odor, etc...Agreed, not very helpful...They went one better and for about 5 years and recommended ATF in the power steering when actually it should have been Pentosin CHF-11S or equivalent...

Your point about owner maintenance is well taken...Volvo's past reputation for durability prompts a lot of folks to neglect them...My first Volvo was a 1964 122S and it's durablility and reliability was the root of this train of thought...

Cheers to you, too...

Jerry

[priapism]

Why would you disconnect your battery, that will reset 90% of the adaptions

Because you said:

Disconnecting the battery for half hour will get most of them cleared,

I think this trans is saveable, thanks for the advice everyone.

[Toronthab]

You still missing what I said
Have the adaptations reset.
What this means is (to do this properly) is go to a Volvo dealer (unless your mechanic has VIDA) and have everything cleared out by Volvos computer.
Disconnecting the battery for half hour will get most of them cleared, but it's not a guarantee that all will reset to 0
Then this drive cycle I mentioned must be done (takes 15 minutes) for the transmission to relearn how to function.
Remember this is after all your drain and fills, your checking the B4 servo, and having the latest software installed.
Then the adaptions need to be reset, etc etc.

This is the correct way to try to make a glitchy tranny function properly.
It may be toast, it may not!
Until you do everything I mentioned, you will not know for sure.

Hi JRL

Your guys certainly aren't hostile. You're like lifegueards with struggling swimmers who don't know what's going on. I have a 2001

I THINK the software upgrade has been done, but it hard shifts and acts up. I hadn't heard of the adapter reset and don't know about the servo. I'll get one.

And thanks so much to all of you guys. it's the worry and unreliability that is disableing. My car started stalling on the 401 during Toronto ruch hour traffic ... ETM?

Lot of fun. I have a year left on the 10 / 200 000 warranty but am warned that Volvo dealers can be slow to replace it.

[pkc303]

priaprism,

I'm not an expert or even that knowledgable about transmissions, but when they start to go out, they slip. In other words, the car is in gear, revs, but doesn't go anywhere, then suddenly catches and goes like normal. Sometimes they are going, but you feel like the car should be going a little faster for the amount of gas your are giving it.

Hope this helps.

[priapism]

priaprism,

I'm not an expert or even that knowledgable about transmissions, but when they start to go out, they slip. In other words, the car is in gear, revs, but doesn't go anywhere, then suddenly catches and goes like normal. Sometimes they are going, but you feel like the car should be going a little faster for the amount of gas your are giving it.

Hope this helps.

Thanks, that was my thought as well.

The trans doesn't slip, it just clunks like a mofo. I'm hoping I can fix it. I'm used to E30 transmissions which sell for about $350 a piece used, 5k per was a bit of a surprise!!

[pkc303]

I haven't bought a Volvo transmission, but a new Ford truck one is about $3,500 from the dealer installed. I could get a rebuilt one from a shop for about $1,700.

I'm not sure about the P2 cars, but if you have a P1, I think you could buy a whole car for $800 with a blown head gasket and then take the transmission. Send the rest of the car to the junk yard. Don't know how handy you are with a wrench, but it's an option.