2007 XC90 dealer said I need a new transmission

nagata · Post by **nagata** » 19 Nov 2015, 13:37

my XC90 is shuddering at 30 and/or 40 mph, pretty much when shifting.
The dealer said I need a new transmission. I have 75k miles and this seems ridiculous.
"You are looking at $5200+," said the service advisor.
This is crazy to me. It looks like without an extended warranty I am S.O.L.
I am wanting to contact VOLVO but maybe that is a waste of time.
Any advice?

Post by **matthew1** » 19 Nov 2015, 13:45

T6 model?

Post by **JDS60R** » 19 Nov 2015, 14:57

Depends on the transmission. If you have a TF80-sc (6 speed)we see shudders from dirty fluid or sticking shift solenoids. Otherwise its a pretty tough box.

If its a AW50/51 or 55/50 that is the same 5 speed they have been using for years. Also effected by shift solenoids.

I would ask the dealer "why" they felt it needed a new trans? exactly what made them diagnose it that way?

Advanced scan tools can check the solenoids by checking the time between when the gear change is "requested" compared to when the gear change is actually made .

Neither of the models will run correctly for long with bad trans fluid.

Go see a professional transmission re builder. He will have all the tools to tell you what is actually going on. Don't pay for any diagnosis without actually getting the codes and documented issues the tech found on the receipt.

Last TF80sc I worked on lost its shudder by just changing the fluid and resetting the adaptive values in the trans.

nagata · Post by **nagata** » 24 Nov 2015, 22:59

Thanks for responding and trying to help. I have little knowledge on this as I am a female and cars are not my thing except that I love my XC90. I have a V6 and will get the codes tomorrow from the paperwork. They tried an "adaptation" but had no luck so the service adviser called and said "replace transmission" but it is totally driveable as is. I agree it isn't obnoxious and is real minor for now. Should I try changing the transmission fluid since it is 75k even though I was told it was ok? Color was good?!?!

nagata · Post by **nagata** » 24 Nov 2015, 23:01

Also, how do I know if it is a AW50/51 or 55/50 or a TF-80-sc?
Thanks

Post by **gstallons** » 25 Nov 2015, 04:19

Can you find a independent transmission shop you can get a second opinion and help you with making a good decision ?

stinger04038 · Post by **stinger04038** » 25 Nov 2015, 17:36

Cut your losses now, get rid of it or junk it. This is a known defect by Volvo and they will do nothing. Your probably talking 6k plus, and the vehicle is not worth it. XC90's are notorious for this, as well as xc70,and certain year years v70's s80's . Not trying to be cruel, but learned first hand the hard way, xc90's are junk. Fluid changes will do nothing, adjustments will do nothing, the dealer will just keep stealing your money.

Post by **jimmy57** » 25 Nov 2015, 17:58

2007 XC90 for US is a TF80SC as it could only be a 3.2 or a V8.
Yes, Aisin-Warner transmissions, the Toyota owned trans company, have had issues with valve bodies. In all makes that use them, not just Volvo.
I have one of the junky 5 speeds with 230K miles on and it shifts perfectly and has never had anything done to it but fluid changes, never even a flush. Absolute junk obviously.

The valve body solenoid issue is a problem with almost ever make with various transmission makers. The solenoids with issues are ones that are pulsed instead of just being on or off. The repeated cycling wears the bores of the solenoids and they fail to build pressure or drop pressure at the expected rate based on the pulse width of the signal. Most new car dealer shops will not do valve body repairs as whole transmissions come with manufacturer parts /labor warranty and there is no risk for the dealer. Valve body repairs that do not fix the transmission (usually the VB does fix it) would not be covered by the manufacturer parts/labor warranty.

Post by **matthew1** » 25 Nov 2015, 19:53

It's not a lost cause. To wit:

Two year ago, at about 80k miles the transmission just stopped responding. Took it to the dealer, in San Diego, after two weeks Volvo’s Corporate Office decided to replace the transmission “at good will”. I ended up paying about $500 dollars for several parts they stated had to be replaced (hoses to the turbo among other things.) Two weeks ago at +/-110K the transmission popped again. Once again, had it towed to the dealer. The following morning they called me and asked me what I needed done to the VOLVO and I told them that the transmission had just stopped working and to give me a call when they knew what they were going to do about it. Late afternoon, the same day, I received the call, stating that Volvo Corp. had decided to once again replace the transmission, once again “at good will” and I only had to pay 10% of the cost.

Written just three weeks ago, in Xc90 t6 transmissions fail

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Nov 2015, 08:28

Nevermind ^. Those posts are concerned with the T6, which as Jimmy pointed out was not sold in 2007.