Stupid question - how do I know if I have 4 or 5 spd auto?

Enid Puceflange · Post by **Enid Puceflange** » 15 Jul 2013, 08:40

OK, I *know* this sounds very stupid, but I have a 2000 XC70, and I'm about to replace the front driveshafts and I need to know. If it has a four speed auto, the transmission selector in the car offers 3,2 and 1 as options, right? And if it were to be a 5 speed it would offer 4,3,2,1 yes?

I tried to use the Wiki VIN decoder to no avail, as the trans comes out as manual, which I *know* isn't right

Needless to say I'm at work, its at home and I need to order the parts quickly in order to get them here in time...

Thanks in advance...

Post by **abscate** » 15 Jul 2013, 08:46

Well thats not a stupid question when the VIN decoder has led you astray! I think if you can drive it I would take it up to highway speed and count shifts.

A lot of cars dont offer all gears selectable in an AT, so I dont think I would use the shift selector as definitive.

In a rush - order both and return the other...??

Post by **jpr0204** » 15 Jul 2013, 08:54

Hi,

In short the answer is:

All 2000 V70 X/C's came with the AW 50-42LE 4-Speed Automatic.

Hope this helps...

- Joe

Enid Puceflange · Post by **Enid Puceflange** » 15 Jul 2013, 09:00

I love you guys - thank you!

Post by **jpr0204** » 15 Jul 2013, 09:03

The AW 50-42LE 4-Speed Automatic will have the P, R, N, D, 3, 2, and 1 while the AW 50-55N 5-Speed Automatic will have the P, R, N, D, 4, 3, and L.

In 00' all AWD and Turbo models used the AW 50-42LE 4-Speed Auto Trans, while Non-Turbos used the AW-50-55N 5-Speed Auto Trans.

The 4-Speed Auto in my opinion is MUCH better the 5-Speed Auto.

The 4-Speed Auto uses good old regular DexronIII/Mercon fluid and is pretty much a solid unit and can go many miles on just "dain N' fills" and a couple shift solenoids when the mileage gets up there around 200K + while the 5-Speed Auto requires the use of expensive JWS-3309 spec fluid which is a bit pricey and has numerous problems.

- Joe

Post by **jblackburn** » 15 Jul 2013, 09:45

jpr0204 wrote:The AW 50-42LE 4-Speed Automatic will have the P, R, N, D, 3, 2, and 1 while the AW 50-55N 5-Speed Automatic will have the P, R, N, D, 4, 3, and L.

In 00' all AWD and Turbo models used the AW 50-42LE 4-Speed Auto Trans, while Non-Turbos used the AW-50-55N 5-Speed Auto Trans.

The 4-Speed Auto in my opinion is MUCH better the 5-Speed Auto.

The 4-Speed Auto uses good old regular DexronIII/Mercon fluid and is pretty much a solid unit and can go many miles on just "dain N' fills" and a couple shift solenoids when the mileage gets up there around 200K + while the 5-Speed Auto requires the use of expensive JWS-3309 spec fluid which is a bit pricey and has numerous problems.

- Joe

What he said. You can tell by the shifter gate pattern.

I wish the 5-speeds were as reliable; they really are set up better for acceleration across the speed range. The 4-speeds are pretty much bulletproof as long as you change the fluid in them.

Some 00 non-turbos also had a 5-speed, and 2000 V70R's used this transmission as well.

Post by **JRL** » 15 Jul 2013, 10:16

NO 1999s came with a 5 speed and yes the 2000 V70R also uses it

alanjackson · Post by **alanjackson** » 16 Sep 2016, 01:40

Hello all, I have the same question for the same reason - I need a l/h drive shaft for my petrol 2001 V70 2.4T aoutomatic and have no idea if it is 4 or 5 speed. Any suggestions anyone? Many thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 16 Sep 2016, 07:00

My understanding is that all of the '01s had the 5 speed but you should post this question in the P2 forum for confirmation. If the number on the shifter below drive is a 4 then it is for sure a 5 speed. This forum cuts off at 2000 except for the C70 and many of us struggle answering C70 questions.

...Lee

Post by **tryingbe** » 16 Sep 2016, 07:32

alanjackson wrote:Hello all, I have the same question for the same reason - I need a l/h drive shaft for my petrol 2001 V70 2.4T aoutomatic and have no idea if it is 4 or 5 speed. Any suggestions anyone? Many thanks

Owner's manual says 5 spd.

http://volvo.custhelp.com/app/manuals/O ... /om_id/767