ALL 2001 trannies eventually go bad, they're junk?

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 07 Sep 2009, 09:45

This was a comment made in here, And I would like to know if there is others that believe this is true.....In reference to 2001
XC70's. And if so....Should I get rid of mine that is shifting fine at 94,000.

Post by **JRL** » 07 Sep 2009, 10:59

If the software was upgraded a while ago and the stop neutral was removed, you have a chance!
Of course not every single '01 tranny lets go, (just about 75% of them)!
You may be one of the lucky ones and it will be fine.
Have you checked the condition (and color) of the fluid?

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 07 Sep 2009, 11:46

I had the fluid flushed by Volvo and they said it had the most up to date software on board. What is the stop neutral ?
When I had the fluid flushed they said the fluid was a little discolored.

Post by **JRL** » 08 Sep 2009, 06:02

Too long to explain, do a searth for stop neutral
If you have the latest software it's removed and hopefully the removal was a while ago

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 10 Sep 2009, 08:06

View Poll Results: When has your transmission died ('01 and '02 models only)
Died Less Than 30,000 Miles 0 0%
Died 30,000-60,000 Miles 1 1.23%
Died 60,000-90,000 Miles 7 8.64%
Died 90,000-120,000 Miles 1 1.23%
Died 120,000-150,000 Miles 3 3.70%
Died 150,000-180,000 Miles 1 1.23%
Died Greater than 180,000 Miles 0 0%
Still Going and currently at 0-60,000 Miles 4 4.94%
Still Going 60,000-120,000 Miles 43 53.09%
Still Going 120,000-180,000 Miles 20 24.69%
Still Going Greater than 180,000 Miles 1 1.23%
Voters: 81. You may not vote on this poll

Found this poll on another Volvo web site put things in a little better light.

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 11 Sep 2009, 22:53

Romort, GREAT POST! I'm right in the middle of that chart with 101,000 miles still shifting PERFECT (changed fluid at 70K and 100K).

Jerry

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 12 Sep 2009, 18:39

Mine has 95k still fills good to me just had it flushed and had the good stuff put in it at Volvo, meaning there oil plus a conditioner, I think the double checked the software in it too, because it seems to be driving even better,

dmcentire · Post by **dmcentire** » 05 Jan 2010, 02:11

Hi, this is my first post here. I have a similar problem with a 2001 V70 XC AWD vehicle I bought used. I have been going through a crash course on the issues that have come up with the 2001 trannys and the shift issues, etc. associated with the one I have, the 50-55SN Japanese made tranny.

Here's my dilemma, and wanted some opinions:

1. I bought the car for $5K not knowing about the problem.
2. The problem only shows up after about an hour of driving, with stops & starts.
3. The problem gets worse and worse after #2 above.
4. I checked with various dealers and non-dealers and they tell me it's about $5K to replace the tranny with a new one from Volvo.

Another guy I talked to said that he did something pretty interesting, he got a Toyota tech to reflash his Volvo 2001 50-55SN TCM with the Toyota software instead of the Volvo software and it fixed the problems. in fact it drove another 140K miles on the same tranny that was going bad. This is his story, so take it with a grain of salt, but it's interesting anyway.

I am thinking about selling the car and taking a huge loss on it, but I was sitting here thinking about it and came up with a couple questions for the experts here:

1. Can AAMCO or someone in the S.F. Bay Area rebuild this thing?
2. Should I consider the $5K investment into a new tranny, and will it then last me another 100K miles?

The car looks absolutely fabulous and is in excellent shape otherwise, so I'd really like to keep it if the #2 option will get me a lot more miles on it.

Also, I am a little unclear, but when the new tranny is installed, does it include the valve body and TCM module? Or are those separate?

Thank you for reading and for your opinions,

Dennis McEntire

Post by **jblackburn** » 05 Jan 2010, 14:50

DO NOT go to AAMCO. I hate them so much, but I won't launch into a rant about that. Look around for smaller, independent shops, preferrably ones that have worked on a Volvo before.

If the software update has not been done, try that. Try flushing the fluid in your car. Anything you can do to prolong the life of your current transmission.

If all else fails, $5000 is ridiculous for a new or rebuilt transmission. Your current one can be rebuilt for $2000-3000, or you can find a donor one out of a 2002+ year model. They are otherwise very good cars, you'll have trouble finding another good used car to replace it!

dmcentire · Post by **dmcentire** » 05 Jan 2010, 15:07

So I wonder if a AM55-50SN tranny from a 2003 will work? Does it matter which year I get for it?

Thanks for the reply,

Dennis