Any Harm using "W" Transmission rather than "D"?

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 20 Jul 2011, 22:30

When hot, my '01 S60 T5 often downshifts from 2nd to 1st with a "CLUNK" at about 3mph.

If I select manual on the geartronic, the transmission NEVER clunks on that downshift (I manually upshift, but allow the transmission to downshift by itself in the "manual mode"), even when hot, but it's a PITA to use manual.

Lately, to avoid the CLUNK, I've been using the W[inter] mode as in "W" 1st gear is not used at all.

I accelerate very gently (just my driving style), and live in FLAT country (Dallas), and it seems fine, but was wondering if I am doing the transmission any harm by using the Winter mode all of the time. In "W" the RPM is about 1500rpm off the line. I am not sure what the stall speed of the T/C is, but starts are very smooth and the shifts are butter-smooth up, and down.

My transmission is only 20,000 miles old and is the second one installed in my car. The dealer said installing a new valve body ($2500) would be a waste of money, and no way can I justify another $5000 transmission in my $4500 car.

The dealer recently did an "adaptation delete" and a flush/fill, and for about 2 weeks never clunked, and shifted smoothly even in "D" but now is BACK to intermittently clunking on the 2/1 downshift.

I don't know why it NEVER clunks when downshifting into first in the "Manual" mode, and would be interested in knowing WHY it acts differently in "Manual" vs "Drive." This would indicate a software "problem," rather than a mechanical (sticking) problem, since it would seem if it sticks in "D" on 2/1 downshifts, it should stick and clunk in "Manual" mode as well.

Post by **JRL** » 21 Jul 2011, 06:16

Please don't.
It will prematurely destroy your tranny
It puts a HUGE strain on it, starting off in 3rd gear

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 21 Jul 2011, 06:27

JRL wrote:Please don't.
It will prematurely destroy your tranny
It puts a HUGE strain on it, starting off in 3rd gear

OK, I guess it's a toss up whether the clunk destroys it first or the use of W.

Any idea why it NEVER clunks into first gear downshifts when using the manual mode?

Post by **JRL** » 21 Jul 2011, 10:35

What do you mean by adaption delete?
The term is clear and reset all adaptions.

Did they download software?
If not that could be your issue as the other two things that were done was correct
Unless they checked and it can't take noew software I would try that, rest the adaptiond again
AND DO THE PROPER DRIVE CYCLE.

If that was not done, the adaption reset was a waste of time.
You need to ask them if they did that. If they didn't dind out about software and do the adaptions again and do the drive cycle
If they won't do it, I'll send you the cycle but it needs to be done right as you pick it up, not 5 or 10 miles later

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 21 Jul 2011, 17:10

As you instructed me to do, I asked the dealer to:

1)Flush and fill the transmission.
2) Delete adaptions in the TCM
3) Check software to make sure the latest version was installed
4) Check/Replace B4 Solenoid Cover (My Trans serial # fell under the TSB for replacement)
5) Do a drive cycle

The did 1, 2, 3 of the above.

They said the B4 cover did NOT come under the TSB (Though it did on the Volvo bulletin I showed them)
They said that dealers NO LONGER do drive cycles, and that I should drive the car normally and the adaptations should take care of themselves.

I did NOT disobey your instructions. I simply have no control over the dealership after I leave the car with written instructions (which is why I didn't get a new B4 Cover, or a Drive Cycle).

This was Park Place Volvo in Dallas, a dealership that is the best in Dallas.

The adapatations were $125 and if it would fix it, I could do it again I guess, but the dealership is located in the city, so I am not sure if I can do a complicated routine in city traffic.

The service I had done was $350, so I guess another $125 is not unreasonable.

I might note when they gave me the car, the transmission was banging and clunking like never before, but was shifting perfectly within a couple of days, then started clunking into 1st again (though NOT if it is allowed to downshift by itself in manual mode").

Evidently they don't do drive cycles on OTHER Volvos, so does that mean they likely have shifting issues as well?

Bob

Post by **JRL** » 21 Jul 2011, 17:52

That's absurd
Resetting the adaptions takes 5 minutes
Disonnect the battery for an hour, that will get rid of 95% of the adaptions, just be very careful reconnecting the battery
There's a procedure which I'm ashamed to say I don't know
I think the negative goes on first but ask someone before you do it.
Then if you want to do the drive cycle yourself, PM me with your email and I will send it

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 21 Jul 2011, 18:38

I've read of ALL sorts of problems after disconnecting batteries in these cars with modules that no longer work (like climate control units that get permanently damaged).

There must be a way of unplugging the computers w/o actually disconnecting the battery?

I understood the MIL codes went away w/ battery disconnect, but wasn't aware adapts went as well.

I will PM w/ that email, thanks.
Bob
BTW, what's absurd? That they charge an hour's labor for adapt delete, that they wouldn't change the B4 cover, or that they will not do drive-cycle? Or all of the above?