xc70 2003 volvo transmission

Post by **BeauxPurdy** » 06 Apr 2015, 19:42

My brother borrowed my car and drove it for four hours in the W (winter mode). Could that be the reason I need a new transmission? It has 140,000 miles. I have it serviced and don't drive it hard, I only drive it 1/2x's a week and not more than 20/30 miles. The URGENT TRANSMISSION Service Light came on and it immediatly started to drive "slow" and "jerky"(and no reverse) I took it directly to mechanic/garage. Now my brother and I am in a HEATED debate over if his driving for 4 hours in Winter Mode contributed to it needing new transmission? I'm not asking because I want him to pay for repairs, I just want him to admit for once in his life that he screwed up and is sorry. BUT if driving in W mode for 4 hours isn't harmful, I don't want to keep accusing him of destroying my car and end up looking like the "stupid bimbo" he insists I am (I'm not).

Post by **abscate** » 06 Apr 2015, 20:16

Four hours in W is fine. What are symptoms of fault?

Post by **vtl** » 06 Apr 2015, 22:15

I'd say it's a valve body or PNP switch. Read the codes, tell us more.

bugeye · Post by **bugeye** » 07 Apr 2015, 14:09

What is the level, color and smell of the transmission fluid? Has the transmission ever had the fluid changed?

Post by **oragex** » 07 Apr 2015, 18:31

I'm no expert but I would guess, if he drove it highway only it shouldn't be an issue. If driven mostly city, a tired transmission could act up because W is putting more strain on it.

Why not give it a fluid replacement in 3-4 steps, then absolutely do a transmission counter reset.

The Service message can be caused by overheated fluid which then loses it's properties.

It takes a specific 3309 Type fluid.

Post by **xHeart** » 07 Apr 2015, 18:56

These cars are known from pulling small trailers. It would feel like W mode, making transmission hotter than usual. So what, it has cooler line.

It is recommend to start with fresh ATF if you are towing, that goes for any vehicle.

I wouldn't accuse my brother for transmission acting.
Oragex is right. It would not hurt, replace fluid using simple D&F method before assuming worse.
A case of MOBIL ATF 3309 $70 at Amazon.

Post by **precopster** » 08 Apr 2015, 03:33

Out on the open road or mixed driving it wouldn't matter at all.

W mode simply skips 1st gear and starts the transmission in 2nd gear. If driven gently in W it would do no harm. If continually floored hard in W from a standing start up hills in San Francisco it may burn the 2nd gear clutch.

Ease up on the bro' he feels stupid enough I'm sure