2001 V70 T5 Auto transaxle problems

01_Nautic_V70 · Post by **01_Nautic_V70** » 02 May 2016, 11:44

As the title says, I'm having serious transaxle problems with my 2001 V70 T5 Auto.

This started three days ago (Friday.) I was on the highway at about 70MPH, cruise engaged. The RPM's picked up momentarily, and the cruise disengaged. For the next 5-10 miles on the way home, it would occasionally rev as if the transmission was slipping and the cruise control would not engage. But I made it home.

The next day (Saturday) I drove for a few minutes, with the same revving occurring. I headed back home and took the other car for the day.

Yesterday (Sunday) I had some more time to look into what was going on. No dash indications of a problem. VIDA shows no issues in the TCM. I decided to take it for a spin. Bad idea. It was fine on local roads near my house. Shortly after getting on the highway, however, the issue was back. I was losing speed and the revs were climbing. It was slipping and there was nothing to be done about it. I limped home on shoulders, never able to get over about 20MPH. Again, no errors in VIDA, no indications on the dash. Check the fluid color and level, good level and healthy red. Added a small dose of Sea Foam Trans Tune at the time.

Ideas? Please tell me this is not a total loss and that I need to check a solenoid connector or the like.

01_Nautic_V70 · Post by **01_Nautic_V70** » 03 May 2016, 17:36

So, I've checked the fluid level and condition. Al looks good. Start it up. Absolutely no motion in any gearshift position. Verified that the cable is intact and moving the selector lever on top of the transmission.

Any ideas?

01_Nautic_V70 · Post by **01_Nautic_V70** » 03 May 2016, 18:15

PNP switch seems to be properly indicating, so the car "knows" what gear is requested.

I can hear the various solenoids engage/disengage as the PNP switch is manipulated.

01_Nautic_V70 · Post by **01_Nautic_V70** » 03 May 2016, 18:49

Also checked the half shafts after looking at some old threads for similar "no motion at all" problems. Intact, as expected. No leaking fluid, no blinking triangles or messages on the dash, nothing in VIDA.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 03 May 2016, 20:08

Oh wow- sorry you're answering yourself here...
ETM? Your car would qualify for that year....
That or with your year, wasn't it suppose to slip into neutral when you came to a stop?
I'm thinking it's just doing that randomly....the dealer has a software to get rid of that.
You'd have to get it to them and it would still be a crap shoot after you paid for the software download and install...or was it a recall item, I can't remember, but you can call them and ask them about it.
It also sounds like a MAF, but that would throw a code...

Post by **vtl** » 04 May 2016, 06:11

How many miles? Sounds like torque converter is gone.

01_Nautic_V70 · Post by **01_Nautic_V70** » 04 May 2016, 08:11

The car has 144K on it. Bought at 128K. I've fixed a few minor issues, like the EVAP leaking hose and a loose connection on the MAF, but otherwise it's been a great car.

I too am worried about catastrophic failure in the transmission at this point. I'm just surprised it was a sudden issue and that it still isn't throwing tons of codes.

Post by **JRL** » 04 May 2016, 15:12

Any real slipping or just hard shifts, revving up then slamming into gear?
Do your research. You bought a 2001, KNOWN for their transmission problems.

I would suggest taking it to a qualified Volvo mechanic who knows and has dealt with these issues.
A new or rebuilt valvebody may solve your issue completely, if it does not you need a new, used or rebuilt transmission.
I would try the VB first, much less expensive and unless you have actual band slipping, it should solve the problems but stop driving it, do not cause more damage now.
(Personally I would NEVER buy a used 2001 transmission, it will probably have the same problem or will shortly)!

EDIT: I re-read your post. If it's actually slipping in gear and not during shifting you need a transmission plain and simple, (sorry)...
This is the way it happens, they just "GO" just like that. Surprised you don't have the "Service Transmission" showing in the message box but it's still shot

01_Nautic_V70 · Post by **01_Nautic_V70** » 04 May 2016, 15:33

OK, so time to start looking at rebuilt/remanufactured transmissions. Suggestions for this?

Post by **JRL** » 04 May 2016, 21:25

Volvo for remans
Certain shops can rebuild them properly
Where are you located?

Not cheap, more than the car is really worth