2001 V70 AW 50-55 transmission failure

Locky2001V70 · Post by **Locky2001V70** » 26 Mar 2014, 21:05

Hi,
Just picked our bargain Alpine White V70 wagon yesterday.

Car is very straight -apart from a bent subframe ( being sorted this weekend hopefully).

Main issue with the car which makes it scary to drive is the Transmission !!
The famous AW50-55 - 5 speed has the dreaded 2-3 gear change issue ( basically gear change is non existent ).
Car can be just driven by using L and shifting into drive once speed is up to 50km/hr but need a lot of patience when shifting.

I have read up here and other forums regarding the "shift flare" and the possible fixes:
*flush and fill transmission fluid.
*replace servo cover
*update transmission software
*throttle body repair

I need to read a lot more to get my head around it all, but looks like me may be able to resolve the issues with the transmission and get the car back to a great driving V70.

Any comments appreciated.

Post by **JRL** » 27 Mar 2014, 05:29

Then your bargain was not such a bargain, was it?
If you already know about 01s then you know you probably need a transmission
Obviously check the other stuff first, B4 servo, new fluid, software, etc but the usual outcome is a bad transmission

Post by **oragex** » 27 Mar 2014, 11:11

Also the solenoids.

Keep in mind that it might be damaged beyond repair, running the transmission for too long cause other internal damage.

Locky2001V70 · Post by **Locky2001V70** » 28 Mar 2014, 16:37

Thanks JRL, but I went into this knowing the worst outcome would be transmission replacement and that was reflected in the extremely low price.
I was well aware of the issues with the 2001 era Volvos, having had a 2001 XC70 in the family-( which mind you gave us over 250k of service before gearbox was repaired)
Low mileage on the engine and a very clean car were the positives.
So actually it was a bargain.

I could strip the car and sell a few body parts and I would have made my money back.

JRL wrote:Then your bargain was not such a bargain, was it?
If you already know about 01s then you know you probably need a transmission
Obviously check the other stuff first, B4 servo, new fluid, software, etc but the usual outcome is a bad transmission

Locky2001V70 · Post by **Locky2001V70** » 28 Mar 2014, 16:40

oragex wrote:Also the solenoids.

Keep in mind that it might be damaged beyond repair, running the transmission for too long cause other internal damage.

It may well be damaged beyond repair

I can get a rebuilt transmission if all goes to fail.

Post by **oragex** » 28 Mar 2014, 18:08

If you're doing your own repairs, it's not so hard to replace the B4 servo and the three main solenoids (2-$300 new or even rebuilt - there are videos on Youtube), no transmission removal necessary. Trow in some fresh fluid, a software reset (both new fluid reset and adaptive mode reset plus remove the neutral stop setting) and with a little luck you have a nice running car for very little.

Locky2001V70 · Post by **Locky2001V70** » 30 Mar 2014, 08:30

Thanks Oragex, as a step by step way of dealing with the transmission issues, I plan to do the B4 servo cover change along with a fluid change.
See how this effects the functioning- then possibly the solenoid change-
-or would I be recommended doing it all at the same time?

Post by **oragex** » 30 Mar 2014, 11:05

I found today this technical paper describing much in detail all issues with this transmission and the possible causes for each issue in particular. It is by far the best technical explanation about the subject, and it seems to be accurate. It will help isolating the specific issues and deduct what can be done. Because there are various issues possibles and various components can be at fault, sometimes a servo cover malfunctioning can be actually triggered by a solenoid malfunctioning in the first place. So it's good to read and try to understand, as any garage or Volvo dealer won't take the time and would rather suggest typical repairs to see if it works.

http://www.sonnax.com/articles/209-AW-5 ... nformation

The paper doesn't mention it, but one very important item is to carry a transmission 'new fluid' software reset if fluid is replaced. Check out the Valvoline transmission fluid, http://www.valvoline.com/products/brand ... n-fluid/37 it seems to be approved for the Toyota T-IV standard and much cheaper at Walmart.

Locky2001V70 · Post by **Locky2001V70** » 31 Mar 2014, 06:21

Thanks kindly ! Very good information here.
Spoke to a Volvo mechanic today who was very helpful.
He hinted that the hours spent trying to solve issues often out way the result, however if you have the time and patience - they can be also be rewarding.
Hmmm