What is a reasonable "life" for a 2001 S60?

[jda2000]

Update:


As with almost all newer transmissions, the AW55-50 relies on adaptive strategy to adjust the
shift feel for each shift. Whenever the transmission is overhauled or replaced, the valve body is
replaced or the transmission control module (TCM) is replaced, the shift adapts must be
cleared and relearned. Failure to perform these procedures can result in shift feel and
downshift clunk complaints, as well as reduced transmission life. Some vehicles relearn slowly
and need to be relearned with a dealer equivalent scan tool. You don’t want to damage your
fresh overhaul waiting for the computer to relearn its adapts.

U

BobbyC, read the above paragraph 10 times and if you car has the latest tranny software, then

make an appt with the dealer and tell them you want them to reset the adaptives and do a drive cycle on your new (rebuilt) tranny. Is like starting with a brand new tranny, that will learn the driving habits of the new driver.

[BobbyC]

I figured that was correct (which is why I reproduced it and highlighted it in brown), but I alway defer to the experts here.

Here's how I read the advice: (I may sound anal, but am only trying to follow the great advice here precisely)

Given that I "appear" not to have the Stop-Neutral still active, and may have the newest software (using the test I mentioned and what the dealer recently told me), "resetting the adaptives" (especially if the Independent shop didn't do it after reinstalling the transmission) may fix the shifting issues I am now having.

I gather my NEW transmission may be trying to use it's OLD memories (adaptations) to shift with. I guess that's like accidentally calling your wife by your old girlfriend's name. Never works out very well.

If that doesn't fix it, then I guess it's off to the transmission shop to do an unhappy-dance before the warranty runs out.

I think I've got it (and I know someone will tell me if I don't).
This computer controlled hardware we now have takes a different way of thinking, and I appreciate that we have such knowledgeable and generous people here who are willing to share.

BTW, do they actually do a drive cycle in the car on the highway using a checklist following certain parameters, or is it "simulated" through the VIDA computer, then polished/modified over the miles as it "learns" my driving style?

Thanks (as always),
Bob

[JRL]

Also check the B4 servo
Cheap part ($15) and POSSIBLY can cause your 2-3 upshift flare.

Google that too.

The drive cycle is a real drive cycle

[BobbyC]

Thanks!

I did (Google it), read about 40 posts on the subject, and it was a REAL education.

My car was made between the March 2001 and Dec 2001 period, so I guess my car was covered by the TSB concerning the B4 Cover.

I found the Volvo procedure: http://www.volvoxc.com/resources/how-to ... -cover.pdf and will have that checked/replaced prior to having the adaptations erased.

The TSB says the Cover Part# is 30651771, but several pictures of the new style cover w/ snap ring say 30751262, so I guess I will leave it to the dealer which part to replace with. It says 0.7 hours labor, and I can afford that. It would be silly to skip that if it can help, since I don't know if they replaced the B4 Servo Cover with the upgraded part when the tranny was rebuilt by an Independent shop 2 years ago.

Would the dealer online computer be able to see if it's been done on my S/N Car, BTW? I have most all of the invoices since 2007 and 70k miles ($16,800 worth), but not before.

Thanks for bringing that to my attention, and offering an outstanding education.

You guys really ARE the best!

Bob

[jjaV70T]

250K miles garaged and taken care of
drain and refill, imo not the flush, the method shown on this site.
$200.00 for the software upgrade.

[i drained my trans at 90K 3309 mobil..12 qts. then 7K later did the upgrade..2003,V702.4T_104K mi..



you have written much ,, but as said before, the Dealer can only do the upgrade

[BobbyC]

My car's at the dealer right now getting fluid change, software update/change (depending what they find in there), TNN 43-37 (B4 Cover) done*, adaptation delete, plus drive cycle.

They say that because the trans does the shift faults worse when hot, it's probably sticking solenoids or the valve body rather than anything software related, which sounds reasonable.

If so, $4000 transmission overhaul lasted under 20,000mi. If so, I will go to the rebuild shop and try to get something done about it if they agree it's a hardware problem.

The tech said they have had a lot of these transmissions w/ sticking solenoids-it's a design problem that's never been well addressed.

*They said they do not usually do the B4 Cover TSB on cars since it's not a mandatory TNN. They only do it (at customer expense) if the customer asks for it. How would they even know to ask would be my question, but that's another matter.

[jda2000]

*They said they do not usually do the B4 Cover TSB on cars since it's not a mandatory TNN. They only do it (at customer expense) if the customer asks for it. How would they even know to ask would be my question, but that's another matter.

most people don't know about recalls, open campaigns and TNNs and the dealer for sure won't say a word unless the owner brings it up. Got to love the dealerships

[BobbyC]

most people don't know about recalls, open campaigns and TNNs and the dealer for sure won't say a word unless the owner brings it up. Got to love the dealerships

When I brought up the TNN, and showed him I had a copy, the look on his face was precious. He instantly said, "Those are not mandatory, nor are they covered under warranty," adding he didn't think many vehicles have ever had it done, which I am sure is true.

I understood that, and was willing to pay on the chance it might help my transmission shift better. His expression was almost one of a guilty person being caught, which was not at all what I was intending.

I just want the car to work.

Hopefully, this will eventually happen.

[jda2000]

bobbyC, I might suggest you pay for a subscription to alldata.com, $25 for a 5 yr subscription and worth the money.

I found out about a TNN for my '07 S60 about software upgrade, free of charge for the LDP(leak detection pump).

Service manager was surprised also when I had a printed copy of the TNN.

[BobbyC]

That's a reasonable suggestion, and I will look into it.

I got my car back $350 later (flush/fill and delete adapts-they said even though the TNN showed my year and S/N that it did not apply to my car, though he couldn't say why).

Transmission shifts WAY worse than before, but the service manager said that it would take weeks before it learned the new adapts. I had asked for a drive-cycle to be done, but he said they no longer do that. Hopefully it will smooth out somewhat.

I did notice the fuel computer had zero'd out (not the trip odometers), and I am now getting 4mpg less fuel economy than before, but I guess when they delete the TCM adaptations, they also delete ALL adaptations in the main computer as well. Hopefully my old MPG will return as it gets used to my driving. With the brand new ETM, I was getting 27.5 mpg around town (suburban driving), and 30mpg on the highway (vs. 21 around town, and 25 highway w/ the old ETM).

I see they did not use 3309 ATF (which according to Mobil is NOT a synthetic), but rather used an unnamed synthetic ATF, which I suppose if it's the dealer, is an approved fluid.

Time will tell if it learns to shift better.

I asked about sticking solenoids or valve body components, and he said he has never seen either of these conditions unless TCM codes were set, and my trans. showed no codes at all.

He also said installing a new Valve Body is a waste of money, and the only real solution is to install a complete Volvo unit at about $4500 plus labor, which I have to admit is not economically justifiable at this point given the car's book value and the fact that it DOES get me around, albeit with some roughness, as is. I'd be better off selling the car and buying something else that does not have a problem. Anything that eats two transmissions in 100k miles (only 20k on the second) concerns me, though I understand this AW trans is used on a LOT of FWD cars these days.