Transmission problem? What do I do? 2002 V70 2.4T

marulo · Post by **marulo** » 29 Nov 2007, 16:29

Yesterday I found that (after stopping at a red light) the car would not go forward at all (it was in Drive). I tried shifting to P, 2, 3, R and back to D and there was no reaction. Then I turned off/on the engine and the car started moving and seemed to be fine for a couple of blocks and then at some point I felt no traction again (rpms going up when accelerating but no traction)..

I want to be informed before talking to any dealer/mechanic. Could you guys tell me what the problem might be? (transmission?). Also, should I try to drive it to the dealer (I feel like I can get the car moving if I play a little with the shifts) or call a tow truck?

Just it's related. For the last month I've been hearing a noise in the front left suspension fork every time we go over a bumper or rocks (kind of like a loose spring)...

My car is a 2002 V70 2.4T with 58K miles. I'm the second owner and I noticed that the previous owner replaced transmission (under warranty) when it had 37K miles (1.5 years ago). The car is in Canada now [are models identical in Canada?]

Any help is appreciated.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Nov 2007, 17:31

Your two problems are not related. The spring sound is most likely the spring seat at the top of your strut on that side. Are you getting any codes for your transmission not shifting issue? You can get AutoZone or PepBoys or other auto parts place to read your codes for you. I suspect a bad PnP switch (Park-Neutral-Position). I don't think your car has the ETM problem that plagued V70's from '99 to '01 (some of the symptoms sound similar to yours).

There should be no difference between Volvo's in the U.S. and Canada in dealing with your issues.

Post by **JRL** » 29 Nov 2007, 17:40

First check the tranny fluid.
(May be a bit of a problem fing the dipstick) but it IS hidden there.
This sounds like a tranny problem and not the PNP as that problem is usally with older cars, never heard of one going on a P2 car.
Exactly What is going on I don't know, I can't be a psychic from here, but fluid is the starting point to work off of
Good luck and depending how far the dealer is, I probably would not drive it unless it's only a couple of miles

marulo · Post by **marulo** » 03 Dec 2007, 01:24

Thanks MedeInJapan and JRL. I will tow the car to the dealer and see what they say. Is it normal to ask the dealer for a copy of the codes they read?
I'll get back to you

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 03 Dec 2007, 07:13

Not so fast Marulo. Check the fluid. Dealers sometimes are not the best place to repair the car after its off the guarantee. Here the dealer is not too thrilled with older cars. I was at the tire garage yesterday. A Mazda had its motor changed under the guarantee, 200 miles before its expiry. The bill came to $10,000. More than the car was worth. With a 2002, start looking for a independant Volvo specialist. The parts man at the dealer knows who are the best ones.***

marulo · Post by **marulo** » 04 Dec 2007, 11:42

I just got a call from the dealer: "you need a new transmission because the radiator was leaking and there is coolant in the transmission system" Does this make sense?
The funny thing is that I changed the radiator at a dealer in the US 4 months ago!!. I'm looking for that invoice now and see how I can fix this. I cannot afford to pay for a new transmission! Any suggestions?

Mariano

ps: btw, while I was waiting I asked how much was the transmission fluid and they said 30us$ per litre!!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Dec 2007, 14:53

Get a second opinion (for them to charge $30 a quart for Volvo ATF is reason enough...I would not trust them. It is typically around $20 a quart and that's still outrageous as there is another option- Mobil-3309 which is about $50 a case). So, I'm thinking it's either one of three things:
1. Someone goofed on radiator replacement.
2. The transmission you got was faulty, or
3. The shop you took your car to is trying to make some serious $$ from you (it's been known to happen).

If they are correct, then yeah, I would think a new transmission is in order (either replaced under warranty or not) if you want to keep this car.
The transmission on these cars cool the:
1. engine with coolant
2. engine's oil
3. transmission's fluid.
The radiator internals were breached (leaked into each other) allowing coolant into the transmission lines.

marulo · Post by **marulo** » 04 Dec 2007, 15:21

Now I'll ask them to pay for both, radiator and new transmission. Let's see what they say...
I don't mind the dealer trying to make big bucks with this job as long as Volvo pays

M

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Dec 2007, 15:29

Please keep us posted as to how things progress with your issues.

marulo · Post by **marulo** » 04 Dec 2007, 20:58

Thanks MadeInJapan. The service guy told me that they need an answer from the Volvo representative [?] so I'll know what's going on tomorrow.

In the meantime, I want to get prepared for a battle and would like to ask the forum about your thoughts/experiences on this issue:
The back of the invoice (radiator replacement 5months ago) says: "Volvo warrants to the retail purchaser... that such part or accessory will be free from defects in material and workmanship. Any such defective part or accessory will be exchanged or repaired only by an authorized Volvo dealer without charge during the warranty period (12 months after purchase).... by an authorized Volvo dealer in the United States or Canada."
I understand that this implies that I'll get the radiator replaced for free. But what about the transmission? Should it be covered? Who should I contact to know my rights better? If things don't work as I expect, should I file a complaint at the Bureau of Consumer Protection (FTC)?