Urgent AWD transmission questions 2001 V70XC

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 16 Nov 2019, 13:57

So I was attempting to drive home today. And all of a sudden my car decided it didn't want to go into gear. This tends to be troublesome as I like driving my car haha(2001 V70XC). Now my transmission has been having issues since I bought it 2mo ago and I knew this was coming so I bought a trans out of an 02 V70xc with SIGNIFICANTLY less miles with the intent of swapping them. Now since my trans swap has moved to the front of my calendar, my questions have become more urgent.
The first being, are they compatible as a straight swap? I have none of the computers from the 02 model so I need to know if they're compatible enough to swap.
Second, I'm unsure if the Torque converter on my new trans has been removed. I understand that in some transmissions this breaks seals and I just need to know if there's a way to tell if mine has been removed, if that'll cause any issue, and/or how to put it back in without causing damage.
Lastly, I just need a list of parts that I will absolutely have to replace or maybe a link to someone's page or a video that shows how to a swap as this is the first time I'm EVER attempted something this large (however I do know my way around the car as I've been slowly rebuilding it). And maybe a few parts that tend to break as my car has 209k on it.

As always thanks to everyone for every bit of help you guys can give. I appreciate it more than you know

Post by **abscate** » 16 Nov 2019, 15:34

Post 1998 the ECM ( engine control module) is VIN specific , so no swaps are possible without reflashing the ECM

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 16 Nov 2019, 15:58

I'm not dealing with the ECM? This is purely transmission. I also have access to Vida/Dice

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 16 Nov 2019, 16:40

My main concern is the torque converter. If that's ruined I have to swap the valve body. I'd prefer to swap the whole thing

NullenVoyd · Post by **NullenVoyd** » 17 Nov 2019, 08:21

Understanding I've only dealt with a transmission swap in an 04 XC70 and had my shop do all the work -

My first concern would be WHY your original transmission went out. Are there codes? What does the fluid look like? If you pull the sensors, do they have any metal filings clinging to them (#18 on the below diagram)?

After that I would really hope that the model numbers match on your original and 'new' transmission. I've heard there are slight ratio changes between model numbers, that can throw things off even if they look otherwise identical. I'd also hope the 'new' trans wasn't from a car that died because its transmission was dead. I assume you sourced it from somewhere that at least claimed it was useable, but a used part of that complexity that hasn't been rebuilt or tested is a gamble.

Torque converter should be easy to spot - #2 on the below diagram. Only other thing I would keep in mind is that as you start pulling things apart for the swap, be ready to find problems that aren't yet problems, like torn CV boots, leaky hoses, crumbling wiring and harnesses. I'm a bit jealous because doing a project like a trans swap gives you a really intimate journey through the business end of your ride, but its not a light job. Wish I had more input, but I wish you luck and hope you share pictures and results of your work.

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 17 Nov 2019, 10:02

My original trans went out bc of a mix of bad fluid poor maintenance and that killed the valve body

Post by **renns** » 17 Nov 2019, 16:31

Is the transmission making a howling sound when you start the car? If so, you might be able to buy yourself a bit of time with the 'fix' from this thread:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=82841

Mountainman45 · Post by **Mountainman45** » 17 Nov 2019, 16:44

No my trans is most certainly dead. Until I do a full rebuild my biggest concern is the torque converter

Post by **renns** » 17 Nov 2019, 18:44

Sorry to hear that. I was considering swapping my tranny out for a replacement, but the entire car (and the owner!) are getting a bit long in the tooth for that job. I'm nursing mine along for the time being, but the car will be retired when a suitable replacement is found.

Post by **precopster** » 18 Nov 2019, 05:06

About 4 years ago I placed an entire engine and trans assembly from an '02 XC70 into an '01 XC70. I had no issues with modules and retained the 2001 TCM and ECM. I may have been lucky as my '01 XC70 was a late build using the same valve body as a 2002 XC70. You are best advised using Vida to determine compatability with the valve body being the largest question mark.

I kept the later thermostat and newer type of upper radiator hose and swapped in the older ECT. Bear in mind that the torque converter is bolted to the driveplate of the motor and is not physically part of the transmission. While the engine and trans are apart it's perfect timing to replace the rear main seal. It's not a light job and you may need to buy some tools you don't currently own..