Transmission - 02 V70 T5 auto w/manual shifting option

Kelvin · Post by **Kelvin** » 31 Dec 2007, 07:17

Last year I had a question on this cars transmission and JRL graciously answered (147K). At the time it was under a Penn Warranty (not good). As a final resort I had the local dealer properly flush the trans. and some of the problems went away. I appologize for not closing the loop at the time. However there is still a slow shift from 2-3 when the car is cold (not shift untill 3000rpm with light throttle). It disappears and shifts normal after it warms up. It warms up fast - only 1 or 2 times up throught the gears and everything is ok. When in manual mode I can get it to shift from 2-3 in a more normal manner. I have read in previous posting about a B4 servo for the 2-3 shift. Could this be the problem or just a bad transmission? The transmission seems to be ok the rest of the time. There is now 158,000 miles on the car. I have to spend about $1000 to fix other small problems. I love the car and it is hard to find other 02 - 03 T5's - they must be rare. Maybe a 04 V70 R model would be a good substitute?

Thank you,

sony2000 · Post by **sony2000** » 31 Dec 2007, 14:03

Kelvin, I came across an official like list of things dealers have to deal with on their V70 Volvos, aside from recalls. I wrote "transmission upgrade 2-3 upshift fare". To me this sounds like a software upgrade that would lower the rpm for the first shift of the day. Remember Murphy's Law. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Kelvin · Post by **Kelvin** » 01 Jan 2008, 08:26

sony2000 thank you for your reply. Last summer when I had the transmission flushed properly by the dealer, I also had all of the codes updated to the latest version. I will not fix if not broken but would like to try and determine if possible if the transmission is healthy. I love this car but am not sure if the expence of a new transmission is worth it. Thank you.

Post by **JRL** » 01 Jan 2008, 09:34

The B4 servo can cure a BAD (slip/flare) shift, it usually doesn't do much for just a slow shift.
You can always replace it, it's only a $14 part and anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to install depending if you have a lift. Can't hurt.
I would just replace the fluid again and see if it gets any better but this sounds like just an older shift servo. Most of these with miles will do that.
Both my 2000R's shift very funky for about two-three blocks on a cold morning but aftere that, they're just fine.
With 150K I would thank your lucky stars that it shifts fine after warm up and just deal with it!