V70 2002 Clunking down shifts

Post by **john_boy1959** » 10 Apr 2009, 18:01

My V70 is currently at 120,000km and at about 70,000km it started developing a clunky downshift. At the time the dealer said it was not covered by the vehicles warranty (I bought used at 50,000km) but could be fixed by software changes? Anyway, the gearbox downshift is very clunky now with a pronounced clunk when it downshifts (for example when you encounter a hill at low speed) which is very annoying. Upshifts (ie 3rd to 4th) are fine. Also, in the morning when I back the car out of the driveway and then shift to 'D', there can be quite a delay before drive engages (1 to 1.5 sec) . Many thanks
John from Brisbane Australia

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Apr 2009, 19:12

Welcome to MVS.
I would personally check your transmission fluid level and condition and drain from the pan's plug as much as will come out- probably 3.5 liters or so and fill with brand new Mobil-3309 fluid, the same amount through the transmission dip-stick tube and see if this improves things.

V70Johnson · Post by **V70Johnson** » 11 Apr 2009, 07:20

+1 on the advice. I was experiencing rather hard upshifting between 2nd & 3rd with my '00 V70 (84K miles), especially when the car was cold. Bought a case of 3309 from AV Lube (decent price for the fluid but the freight was half the price of the case) and followed the modified flush method located here.
Problem solved! The old fluid was somewhat brown. Really glad that I did it & it was quite easy to accomplish. Good luck!

binglax09 · Post by **binglax09** » 11 Apr 2009, 17:43

I would advise you to go to the dealer and see if you can get a software update for the tranny. These 01-02 trannys have had their fair share of issues and are well known for failure. If you have the proper software and keep up with the fluid changes then you should never have an issue.

Post by **john_boy1959** » 15 Apr 2009, 07:00

John here!, have just had transmission flushed out and replenished with mobil 3309 by mechanic. Took 3 full flushes of 3lts each go until oil ran nice and clear (so used about 13lts of 20ltr drum bought for $A239). Was pretty black on first drain!! Anyway, 90% of clunking now gone - am having software upgraded tomorrow but am suspecting than complete fixing of problem will occur as more and more of crud within gearbox, loosens up with new oil flowing around.
many thanks John

George · Post by **George** » 16 Dec 2009, 19:44

Hello, It's 8 months later. Did your transmission smooth out? Mine did. George