Yet another 2001 V70 Transmission Question

[Cudrefin]

Well, I'm back from my local independent Volvo garage with no software updates applied.

The garage ordered the TCM update (via their nominated Volvo main dealer as this it would seem is how some/all independents obtain genuine parts and software updates) and VIDA was all happy until an attempt was made to apply the software at which point the car rejected the software update. I'm not so bothered about this as the car hasn't suffered flare problems when shifting and it didn't cost me anything.

The stop/neutral update has been a nightmare. Although the part is available (P/N 30646691) VIDA will not allow it to be ordered for my car (based on the VIN). I've been in contact with both my local main dealer and FRF (as has the indie garage) and the outcome seems to be a big fat NO! to the update.

So, are there any forum readers who have run into the same problem with the stop/neutral update and if so did they ever find a way of getting the stop/neutral disabled?

[Retired MVS Contributor]

Maybe stop-neutral was not installed in the UK?...Maybe that is the reason why removal is not allowed...

Sit in the car with the engine warm and idling with your foot on the brake...Select drive and if you feel first gear engage while you are still holding the brakes, then stop-neutral is not active...If stop-neutral is installed, the tranny will shift into neutral when the car is brought to a stop...When you release the brake, it will shift into drive by itself and that is when the problems arise...

[Cudrefin]

I definitely have the stop-neutral. When I remove my foot from the brake there is a short delay of maybe 1 second and then I can feel the transmission engage. If I hit the gas before the transmission has engaged (like you want to do if you're looking for a quick getaway at junctions) then I get a bit of a thump as the transmission engages (I assume this is what does the damage to the tranny over time).

Conversations with main dealers on this issue are met with silence, confusion and general ignorance with the exception of FRF in Swansea who actually know a huge amount about the cars they deal with but have not been able to find a solution to my problem.

[Retired MVS Contributor]

I had read on one of the forums (it might have been this one, but I cannot find it) that a frustrated owner took his car to the local Toyto dealer and had them flash it with Toyota software...I don' know how it worked out, and I doubt that I would do that, but it might be something to be considered...

[Retired MVS Contributor]

I definitely have the stop-neutral. When I remove my foot from the brake there is a short delay of maybe 1 second and then I can feel the transmission engage. If I hit the gas before the transmission has engaged (like you want to do if you're looking for a quick getaway at junctions) then I get a bit of a thump as the transmission engages (I assume this is what does the damage to the tranny over time).

Conversations with main dealers on this issue are met with silence, confusion and general ignorance with the exception of FRF in Swansea who actually know a huge amount about the cars they deal with but have not been able to find a solution to my problem.

I just read this on Sonnax's site...Sonnax specializes in automatic transmissions, valve body rebuilding, etc, and they publish a bunch of technical info on their site...They say that if the transmission is driven in Geartronic mode, stop-neutral is disabled...While it would be a bit inconvenient, it is one way to protect the tranny from damage...