V70: Transmission failure - Oh, boy, what to do ?

JSACKS · Post by **JSACKS** » 23 Mar 2009, 09:06

Late last week, the electronic chip failed inside the transmission of our old V70 XC (Year 2000 model - 98K mi.). The dealership called to tell next day that they need to replace the transmission. They said it normally costs $5,100 to replace but they might be able to lower that by about 20%. Although we love the car, and it is very useful, it has cost quite a fair sum since we bought it 13 months ago and I am now rendered rather speechless by this latest development.

I have good relations with another non-Volvo shop that has done a lot of work for my cars (mostly FIAT and Jag) over the years and they said the Volvo estimate is extremely high. They said if I can't agree a deal with the dealership to bring the V70 to them for a review and estimate.

Is it worth fixing this vehicle? Will it run well again or are there risks with a new transmission? Appreciate any posts, thanks.

JS

Post by **VCA** » 23 Mar 2009, 09:52

JSACKS wrote:Late last week, the electronic chip failed inside the transmission of our old V70 XC (Year 2000 model - 98K mi.). The dealership called to tell next day that they need to replace the transmission. They said it normally costs $5,100 to replace but they might be able to lower that by about 20%. Although we love the car, and it is very useful, it has cost quite a fair sum since we bought it 13 months ago and I am now rendered rather speechless by this latest development.

I have good relations with another non-Volvo shop that has done a lot of work for my cars (mostly FIAT and Jag) over the years and they said the Volvo estimate is extremely high. They said if I can't agree a deal with the dealership to bring the V70 to them for a review and estimate.

Is it worth fixing this vehicle? Will it run well again or are there risks with a new transmission? Appreciate any posts, thanks.

JS

Can we see the TCM- series codes that the dealer pulled? (I'm assuming there were codes and that your 'Up' arrow was flashing).

At any rate, I think it's excessive, a rebuilt gearbox + labor shouldn't exceed $3k for this car.

JSACKS · Post by **JSACKS** » 23 Mar 2009, 10:17

I will never know what was flashing since my non-tech wife was driving when it broke down in traffic and she has AAA flat-bed it staright in to the Volvo dealership. They said that "Transmission" was lit up in red on the dash--they didn't tell me the codes (I didn't ask them).

I emailed the dealership general manager about this and because I am a good customer, they said they would see what they can put together for me in terms of a lower price.

Your post is helpful, thanks, at least I have another number to think about now.

JS

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 23 Mar 2009, 21:36

I'd take my chances on a salvage trans before I'd lay out that kind of number.

JSACKS · Post by **JSACKS** » 24 Mar 2009, 08:49

I spoke with the Volvo dealership twice just now. The TCM code they got was "000C" which indicates solenoid failure. Apparently, this piece of hardware cannot be replaced and the dealership never tears down transmission to fix stuff like this. They say it requires a new transmission. The price is now down to $4,300 but I am not sure it's worth doing since the car's depreciated value to a private party was probably $4,000-5,000 before this disaster.

I am talking to another shop about doing this but my inner voice is telling me to be very careful and that maybe this Volvo has had its day and I should just walk away.

JS

Post by **VCA** » 24 Mar 2009, 09:43

JSACKS wrote:I spoke with the Volvo dealership twice just now. The TCM code they got was "000C" which indicates solenoid failure. Apparently, this piece of hardware cannot be replaced and the dealership never tears down transmission to fix stuff like this. They say it requires a new transmission. The price is now down to $4,300 but I am not sure it's worth doing since the car's depreciated value to a private party was probably $4,000-5,000 before this disaster.

I am talking to another shop about doing this but my inner voice is telling me to be very careful and that maybe this Volvo has had its day and I should just walk away.

JS

Just a solenoid failure code? Not the end of the world, the valve body is replaceable on these gearboxes. Though I'd probably sooner get a warranted transmission from Erie Vovo and have your local independent install it. That'll be at least a grand cheaper (probably closer to ~$2,200 all said and done) than what the dealer's quoting you.

JSACKS · Post by **JSACKS** » 24 Mar 2009, 11:53

In order to replace the valve body, is it necessary to disassemble the transmission? This is what the d/ship has led me to understand. If it is possible, why don't they do it and charge me half the price? They tell me that they never do this kind of thing but just order a new transmission from Volvo.

JS

Post by **wheelsup** » 24 Mar 2009, 15:34

"Volvo Policy" is to never repair them at the dealership. They ship them off to an Aisin-Warner factory, who reconditions them. Then sells them back to the dealer.

Post by **JRL** » 24 Mar 2009, 15:35

See post below yours about replacing the solonoids.
I doubt it's a valvebody

Post by **JRL** » 24 Mar 2009, 15:37

JSACKS wrote:In order to replace the valve body, is it necessary to disassemble the transmission? This is what the d/ship has led me to understand. If it is possible, why don't they do it and charge me half the price? They tell me that they never do this kind of thing but just order a new transmission from Volvo.

JS

This is a 2000 with a 4 speed, any moron from a trans. shop (Cottman, Aamco, etc.) can fix these, a doctorate in rocket science is not necessary, (unlike an AW-55)!
If you want a total rebuild, it should cost about $2500 or so