01 XC-70 Transmission Replacement AGAIN

Post by **FLXC90** » 28 Oct 2014, 15:37

Not to hijack the thread, but... I've thought I'd seen the recommendation to install 03 or newer transaxles in the 01/02 cars. US model years that is. If so, do you need the newer TCU, or a software update as well? I'm watching an 01 XC-70 that needs a trans, and know of an 03 in a wrecking yard for parts. I guess this only applies to original transaxles, rebuilds get updates per the thread.

Thanks

Post by **abscate** » 28 Oct 2014, 21:40

North rancher....keep moving forward!

You had your transmission replaced and the dealer didn't update the software. Hmmmmm.

Give the business to your independent, document everything,and then go and have a nice long talk with the Volvo dealer about the small claims limit in CO.

When you pay a dealer labor rate, it's to get the job done right, first time. The software upgrade and your service history (or lack of it) is all documented in your file.

I had a calm polite conversation along these lines with my BMW dealer, in my best Brooks Brothers suit,which netted me a 1000 usd check and an apology.

northrancher · Post by **northrancher** » 28 Oct 2014, 22:01

abscate wrote:North rancher....keep moving forward!

You had your transmission replaced and the dealer didn't update the software. Hmmmmm.

Give the business to your independent, document everything,and then go and have a nice long talk with the Volvo dealer about the small claims limit in CO.

When you pay a dealer labor rate, it's to get the job done right, first time. The software upgrade and your service history (or lack of it) is all documented in your file.

I had a calm polite conversation along these lines with my BMW dealer, in my best Brooks Brothers suit,which netted me a 1000 usd check and an apology.

Ha! When this is all over, I may just do what you suggest--it's a great idea! I find it appalling how they get away with this kind of thing routinely I suspect. Had I not come here for help & then found this wonderful Volvo mechanic, I would have donated this car for a tax deduction rather than sell it to the dealer for $500!

The independent shop told me today the message/code was "transmission service" NOT "transmission failure." In addition to a $4500 transmission (with 100K miles on it), the dealer also listed an additional $2,000 in repairs (gave the shop the dealer's list) and exactly $0 is required. In fact, he said he looked the car over and it's otherwise in great condition.

I'm not out of the woods yet...they flushed the tranny & upgraded software today & owner said he'd drive it home and see how it does. If all checks out & no codes come up in the morning, I have myself a working Volvo again and I can bring her home:) If not, I'll go ahead with installing the transmission knowing there's nothing else wrong with the car.

I'll update tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you for all the help & support!

Post by **abscate** » 28 Oct 2014, 22:46

The lore here is that it's better to do a series of drain and fills rather than a flush of Volvo transmissions. This makes it less likely to free up sludge and block something in the transmission.

Keep us up to date...rooting for ya!!

northrancher · Post by **northrancher** » 29 Oct 2014, 09:35

abscate wrote:The lore here is that it's better to do a series of drain and fills rather than a flush of Volvo transmissions. This makes it less likely to free up sludge and block something in the transmission.

Keep us up to date...rooting for ya!!

Thank you!

I'm using the term "flush" -- not sure what the shop was actually planning to do & they may have done the drain and fill. Is that a common protocol now among competent Volvo mechanics? Hoping this shop already knew that.

Post by **JRL** » 29 Oct 2014, 09:53

No, it's not as it takes a bit longer.
You need to tell them you want the equivalent of at least three (3) drain and fills (approx 12 quarts).
"Drain and fills" can be done a couple of different ways but the object is NOT to use a power flush machine

northrancher · Post by **northrancher** » 29 Oct 2014, 11:03

I just got the call--the Volvo is running "smoothly" and a new transmission is not needed!!!! I didn't get to them in time to ask about a "drain and fill" and I hope this won't be a problem. They flushed it. Do you think I'll now have problems with it?

They drove the car for 4 miles and all the gears are shifting smoothly. They replaced the radiator hose, which was cracked, but noticed another crack in the radiator, so that needs to be replaced. They also need to do a PCV clean and that's it.

Is this an amazing turnaround or what???

Thanks to everyone who helped me!

ETA: Also, the dealer who misdiagnosed the car was McDonald Volvo. The competent & ethical shop who repaired my car & got it back on the road again is Voltek Volvo in Denver. I can't say enough good things about them.

Post by **abscate** » 29 Oct 2014, 17:43

No you won't have future problems, because your Khama bank is full.

Don't sweat the new fluid, my guess is you didn't have that much junk in the trans.

Do you mind if I copy your last post over to the Mechanics a Forum ??

Post by **precopster** » 29 Oct 2014, 17:52

That'll teach you for next time to not have your car serviced at the same place you buy thick shakes

A great heads -up thread for anyone else experiencing issues with Volvo transmissions at dealerships, especially in your region.

northrancher · Post by **northrancher** » 29 Oct 2014, 18:01

abscate wrote:No you won't have future problems, because your Kharma bank is full.

Don't sweat the new fluid, my guess is you didn't have that much junk in the trans.

Do you mind if I copy your last post over to the Mechanics a Forum ??

Aw, thank you!

No, I don't mind--please go ahead and copy the post wherever you'd like. Hopefully, it can help someone else in my area with transmission problems sometime.