Possible V70R Purchase- Transmission problem?

Post by **Kara503** » 31 Oct 2017, 10:07

Hello all!

My 850 Platinum is doing wonderfully, but with winter coming I don't want to risk my Unicorn out in the snow. In searching for something with AWD I have found a 99 V70R. 170k miles, in absolutely wonderful condition, owned by an older gentleman. Asking $1500. He says the only problem with it seems to be an issue with the transmission. It will lose power completely while driving in Drive with the engine still running, and an arrow on the dash will start flashing. Pulling over and restarting the car after letting it sit for a few minutes allows it to drive again. Normally I would pass on something with such an issue but the guy knows the car very well, and even pulled the dash last year to fix the rattling and has pictures to prove it.

I tried using the search function but was not able to find much of help. To me, this seems like a control module problem rather than something mechanical. Am I correct in assuming that year of v70 has a transmission control module that might need some help? Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks

PS- I am also looking at V70 XCs (97-2000). I understand the AWD on these isn't the best, but I really would like to stay in something safer than the Subaru my fiance has. I understand the variable valve timing and electronic throttle can cause issues on the 99-00 models. Any other major things I am overlooking? Are there any models or model years of these I should try and stick to? My gut says I should try and stay with the 97-98s since they have the more similar engine to my 850, but Craigslist mostly only has the 99-00 models.

Post by **j-dawg** » 31 Oct 2017, 11:02

Biased here, but I think the problems with the 99-00 problems are vastly overstated. The ETM will go out. Accept it. Every other stupid problem I've had has been common to all 850s.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 31 Oct 2017, 15:32

You might look at the transmission fluid. At 170k, it ought to have been changed, but it might not have been done. (Even in a well maintained car, a lot of people don't think about it.) If you decide to buy it, the first thing I would do is a complete fluid replacement. Some people would accuse me of playing with fire, but I might even run some trans-medic through it and dissolve some gunk in there. If it's failing and this kills it then not much loss, and it might end up taking care of the issue. (It did with my '93 940T - I know, different transmission, but similar vintage and similar problems.) Also, I'm not sure if '99 requires the newer transmission fluid (JWS3309), but if the current owner flushed it and used the wrong fluid, that could also cause issues.

Also, plug in and see what codes are stored! Even if you cycle power and the light goes out, the code is still stored.

Roger

Post by **Kara503** » 31 Oct 2017, 15:39

Thanks for the advice

J-Dawg- I hope you are right!! I just picked up a 99 S70M for my fiance about a month ago, so we will see how well it lasts.

Roger- I have a bluetooth OBDII adapter and the Torque Pro app on my phone that is able to read check engine lights on my 850 and my s70, and the owner of this v70 said the check engine light is not on. Do I need any special equipment in order to read whatever code may be present due to the flashing transmission arrow?

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 31 Oct 2017, 15:42

Also, if it has a bad alternator and the battery loses enough charge, it will do the same thing you describe. You'll not be able to move but it will idle without issue. It will act really notchy right before you lose the ability to move...

Post by **Kara503** » 31 Oct 2017, 15:59

wizechatmgr wrote: ↑31 Oct 2017, 15:42 Also, if it has a bad alternator and the battery loses enough charge, it will do the same thing you describe. You'll not be able to move but it will idle without issue. It will act really notchy right before you lose the ability to move...

Interesting. Could you give more details? What would it do before losing power? I intend on taking it for a short test drive when I go look at it, so if I know what to look for and this happens to be the problem an easy solution is always welcome!
As a side note, I see in your signature you own a v70 xc. What kind of fuel mileage do you get?

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 31 Oct 2017, 16:10

It will start off running fine, then you'll start getting a slow loss of power where she'll feel like she's getting choked when you press the accelerator pedal. Then a little while later you'll get jack rabbiting but it will continue to move. Then you get just idle and no ability to move the car. You may get random dash lights during this that make little sense. Shortly after this you get the car turning off and that's all she wrote. You'll be able to crank it over, but it will not catch. Or if it does catch it will last maybe 2-3 seconds and die off.

Wait a half hour or so and if the battery was in really good condition, it will start and run fine for a few seconds/minutes and then all the same stuff all over again. I was able to drive about a half mile on a battery after it was jump started/charged for a good 20 minutes.

Post by **Kara503** » 31 Oct 2017, 16:57

I will make sure and keep your description of that in mind when I test drive the car. I don't believe he said the car has issues starting back up after shutting it off and letting it sit untouched for 2-3 minutes, though :/

Post by **scot850** » 01 Nov 2017, 12:41

The 99 should have the 4 speed auto and so should not have any more issues than any other car, unless the current owner is hiding a history of drag racing. Biggest issue is usually with the lack of maintenance, even the 5 speed can be fairly reliable, but trans oil drain and fills are needed regularly. I'd say no more than 50,000 miles. Problem was Volvo of that era said these were sealed for life trans and that we all know is crap. If oil changes have been done, check what oil was used as the 5-speed auto used 3309 oil.

The biggest issue with any AWD is that parts are getting hard to find and some are totally obsolete like the lower torque rod. Some of the emissions stuff is hard to find, and even the clips that hold the parking brake cables to the back plates on the rear wheels is obsolete. Oh, and also the rear back plates are also obsolete.

Again, the AWD system can be fine if maintained. Issues are usually the front prop-shaft joint, the center support bearing (can be repaired by Colorado Driveshaft). The next issued are people hammering on the AWD system when at standstill damaging the sleeve between the trans and the angle gear. Again can be replaced but some options are hard to find. Can't remember if it is ARD or Vivaperformance that sells one of them. If the sleeve is not fixed quickly it will strip the splines on the angle gear shaft. These angle gears are getting harder to source but are out there.

Finally, change the oil in the angle gear, another thing folk forget to do, along with the rear differential.

I'd take a chance on the car if it is cheap enough but be realistic it may need a trans if the oil change does not sort it, or at least maybe the solenoids will need done.

Finally on any of the AWD's depending where you love, check the fuel pump pressure as to replace it either means carefully cutting a hole on the rear foot-well, or dropping the seized bolts and rear sub-frame to access. Also check the condition of the sub-frame at the rear mounts to the main frame for corrosion and cracks. If you don't have a lot of salt on your roads this is less of an issue.

Neil.

Post by **Kara503** » 01 Nov 2017, 15:49

scot850 wrote: ↑01 Nov 2017, 12:41 The 99 should have the 4 speed auto and so should not have any more issues than any other car, unless the current owner is hiding a history of drag racing. Biggest issue is usually with the lack of maintenance, even the 5 speed can be fairly reliable, but trans oil drain and fills are needed regularly. I'd say no more than 50,000 miles. Problem was Volvo of that era said these were sealed for life trans and that we all know is crap. If oil changes have been done, check what oil was used as the 5-speed auto used 3309 oil.

The biggest issue with any AWD is that parts are getting hard to find and some are totally obsolete like the lower torque rod. Some of the emissions stuff is hard to find, and even the clips that hold the parking brake cables to the back plates on the rear wheels is obsolete. Oh, and also the rear back plates are also obsolete.

Again, the AWD system can be fine if maintained. Issues are usually the front prop-shaft joint, the center support bearing (can be repaired by Colorado Driveshaft). The next issued are people hammering on the AWD system when at standstill damaging the sleeve between the trans and the angle gear. Again can be replaced but some options are hard to find. Can't remember if it is ARD or Vivaperformance that sells one of them. If the sleeve is not fixed quickly it will strip the splines on the angle gear shaft. These angle gears are getting harder to source but are out there.

Finally, change the oil in the angle gear, another thing folk forget to do, along with the rear differential.

I'd take a chance on the car if it is cheap enough but be realistic it may need a trans if the oil change does not sort it, or at least maybe the solenoids will need done.

Finally on any of the AWD's depending where you love, check the fuel pump pressure as to replace it either means carefully cutting a hole on the rear foot-well, or dropping the seized bolts and rear sub-frame to access. Also check the condition of the sub-frame at the rear mounts to the main frame for corrosion and cracks. If you don't have a lot of salt on your roads this is less of an issue.

Neil.

Oh wow. Thank you for the wealth of information Neil. I never considered parts availability, as I have never had issues finding parts for my 850. I'll make sure and look around for more depth info on the AWD system in these so I know what to look for in them- I guess I kind of assumed the system would either work or not. I decided to pass on the V70R (cut springs and HD suspension on it would make for a crazy rough ride) but am still in the market for an XC.

I live in Oregon, a decent amount of snow but nothing crazy so I will be sure to check for corrosion at the rear. In my search for an AWD Volvo for fun and for winter, I have been trying to stick to the 1st gen V70 XCs- I'm much more familiar with the 850-esque build and parts. Now that you mention parts availability, though, it has me worried.

Do you (Or anyone else for that matter) have experience with the 2nd gen V70/ V70 XCs? I have almost completely disregarded them due to the common notion on these forums that they won't make it past 200k and are riddled with electrical gremlins and poor workmanship. There are quite a few 2001-2004 V70 XCs in my area for not much money... Is the AWD system better/ easier to maintain? What about the rest of the car? I have a silly dream of building an adventure wagon, and they look really nice.