'02 XC70 No Reverse/Neutral = Drive Worth a Trying a Valvbody?

tightmopedman9 · Post by **tightmopedman9** » 29 Apr 2017, 11:28

I've been helping a friend with transmission problems on his '02 XC70. His problems seemed to mostly be a hard 2-3 shift and rough garage shifts. First thing we did was a full fluid flush, then a B4 servo cap replacement (original was actually bad) then SLS, SLU, SLT Sonnax solenoid replacement. The problem seemed to get better, but still wasn't perfect.

Last week after driving up a slower long mountain pass his reverse went out and when shifted into neutral the car seems to be stuck in 2nd. I'm wondering if it would be worth attempting a valve body replacement or if I should just replace/rebuild the whole transmission.

In talking to a local Volvo indy they say that they haven't gotten a non Volvo reman that shifted well and didn't leak, which makes me wary about rebuilding the trans myself. I don't want to invest in a valve body though, just to find out the servo drum is cracked or a clutch pack needs to be replaced.

Any suggestions?

Post by **precopster** » 29 Apr 2017, 18:57

Sounds more like fused friction plates. I bought a 2001 V70 XC with the same issue 4 years ago and couldn't repair it. I replaced the transmission.

tightmopedman9 · Post by **tightmopedman9** » 19 May 2017, 13:41

I replaced the transmission in this car over the weekend with a 55-51SN from a 2003 purportedly with 58k. I reset adaptations and the fluid change counter. The new trans shifts phenomenally well when cold, but when the trans oil temp goes above 85C 2->3 & 3->4 shifts experience a huge delay.

I have a transmission cooler in the mail now and will be installing it Monday. I know this is only a bandaid solution, but I'm curious as to how much this will improve the situation. I had replaced the SLU,SLS and SLT solenoids in the old transmission with Rostra ones about 300 miles before it totally shit the bed. I am considering swapping them into the new trans, but I'm wondering what probability is that the new solenoids attracted metal debris from the old transmission going out.

Post by **JRL** » 19 May 2017, 16:08

THAT IS probably the valvebody
As for any dirt, inspect them when removed and clean them CAREFULLY
You also need to make sure that it has the latest software in it

Post by **precopster** » 19 May 2017, 16:42

Get the kit that helps you remove the end cap and therefore allows you to remove the pintle from the solenoid and clean it fully. When refitting end cap place 2 Burrs at 180 degree spacing on the solenoid body to prevent the new cap from loosening.

The Rostra solenoids will have better quality metals and hopefully won't have attracted much debris.

Costs about 65 dollars

tightmopedman9 · Post by **tightmopedman9** » 19 May 2017, 22:35

precopster wrote: ↑19 May 2017, 16:42 Get the kit that helps you remove the end cap and therefore allows you to remove the pintle from the solenoid and clean it fully.

Costs about 65 dollars

Which tool are you referring to? The only one I'm aware of costs $280

Post by **precopster** » 20 May 2017, 00:59

Not a tool from Omega Machine to fully disassemble and recrimp.

Transgo shift kit with 2 x drill bits and 3 caps for solenoids.

ctpowertrain used to sell them on eBay. I bought and fitted at least 3 of them. They sell them on their website for 82 dollars.