update on the TF80 Transmission Issues XC90 V8 2007?

dolphin · Post by **dolphin** » 04 May 2020, 19:10

Hi I was looking into getting a used 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 for the fam -- we do need 7 seats plus some extra torque to go hiking up in the mountains, but then I saw so many warnings about the transmission.

Someone mentioned in another site post that:
"On the 3.2/V8 transmissions with the transmission number of 06J or later have the improved valve body. Anything before that should be considered DOA."

I wanted to know if anyone has any insight into this -- is there a cutoff point where the TF80 transmission is improved?

I'm going to look at the car in a day or two and try and get the transmission number.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 05 May 2020, 07:53

As you note, any serial number starting after 06J should have the newer valve body. Was some rumor that a number of pre-06J transmissions had been reworked by Volvo dealers prior to customer delivery but I never saw anything formal to confirm.

This is the Aisin Warner label serial number, starting digits are year and month of manufacture- 06J in this case meaning October 2006. There will have been some time between manufacturing and installation, why most folk refer to the transmission serial number and not the vehicle model year.

I personally would not agree with the description above (DOA), lots of vehicles out on the road today with pre-06J solenoid bores and they're working okay. Typical symptom is 2-3 shift flare, this may also be mitigated by a fluid swap. Some folks suggest that the flare is inevitable, while probably true my response is that all flares are not created equally and some folks may find this anomaly "acceptable", given the cost to resolve (part @ $750-1200 plus labor to install).

dolphin · Post by **dolphin** » 05 May 2020, 08:09

Hi and thanks for sharing the information. I appreciate learning more about these engines. I did research on the solenoid bores and one of the things I also came upon was the issue of flushing and updating the transmission oil as well as making sure the software was up to date. I spoke to our local mechanic who has worked on a lot of 3.2 xc90s and thinks they are pretty solid. But dislikes the V8 for the reason many people have mentioned with difficulty of actually doing any engine work.

On that note, i'm still developing my understanding and wanted to know if I'm clear that the transmission for 3.2 is the same for V8 but with a different bolt pattern? But insofar as same transmission, wouldn't 3.2 be likely to have same problems as V8?

And is there any insight into major/minor difference in replacing/repairing transmission for 3.2 versus V8

Sorry if these are too many questions -- i'm new to using a forum but i'm learning a lot and appreciate the expertise everyone has

Post by **ggleavitt** » 05 May 2020, 09:27

TF-80SC is a TF-80SC, whether it's wrapped in a 3.2 or a V8 bell housing. Can see some background here- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWTF-80_SC

Post by **jimmy57** » 05 May 2020, 09:31

The bolt pattern and starter location on bell housing is different I6 vs V8. Internals are mostly the same. There is a difference in the torque converters,

dolphin · Post by **dolphin** » 05 May 2020, 10:19

Thanks for the replies ggleavitt and jimmy57-- very helpful