New Guy With a Few Questions (2001 V70 T5)

Volvo V70 2001+ Buyer’s Guide Checklist

What to look for when buying a “P2” Volvo, especially a V70. ETM, transmission, suspension, etc… all the usual suspects to look for are explained in this Volvo Forum topic.

New guy with a few questions (2001 V70 T5)

JRL » 

• The 5 speeds which actually came out in 2000 were in 100% use in 2001
• For 01 Volvo had some “err, unique” software which destroyed transmissions.
• Search “Stop neutral software” By 02 the software was removed and they got better
• By the 2003 model a new valve body was installed and most of the (tranny) problems were gone

If your trans shifts smooth. it definitely has had the software upgraded and possibly has had a new transmission.

• We have figured by now 60-70%of 2001’s have had new trannies installed
• Fluid condition is a must, make sure it’s clean.
• Otherwise 2001’s like any other 1st year model has it’s shareof minor but aggrevating issues, mainly electrical/software related.
• Change the oil a lot, these cars like CLEAN oil
• 01 Brake boosters went bad,
• Seat modules/seat motors and other electrical glitches go bad and have a mind of their own.

Try to (if you haven’t already) get a complete service history.

• At near 100K check your breather box pressure. If you don’t have good negative pressure 100K is about that time to do a breather/PCV replacement, shouldn’t be too hard for a mechanic to do yourself (intake manifold must be removed),
• now would be a good time or soon enough it will start leaking/pucking oil all over the place.
• Checkthe front end for cracked spring seats, bad control arms and tie rods

Finally remember that 01s and newer take a lot of software upgrades and only a Volvo dealer can install them
(or a mechanic who has Vadis).
Good luck, welcome to the club!

MelangeX3 » 

The Tranny is your biggest con. If it has been either replaced or had the software changed early and has clean fluid, Go for it!

To replace the Trans/Valve Body is about $4000 so it’s definitely a gamble.

If the fluid smells bad or is just really dirty, probably hasn’t had the love. My 1st dealer (Rahal) told me for the first 70k of ownership, that my transmission fluid was sealed and didn’t ever need changed. They soon changed their tune, but it was too late for me. I did a couple of drain and fills with the Toyota type IV fluid and my shifting smoothed out again. I do not have the turbo engine and had my software changed very early on to remove the neutral stop function.

You should be able to easily upgrade the front end with heavy duty parts from IPD and take care of any future rattles. Ignition coils are replace all 5 when the 1st goes bad and stick to the stock type of plugs for best gas mileage. Electrical issues are totally random. I have replaced a few relays in the rear cargo area for various functions, along with rear door locks and tailgate servo. The fuel filler lock servo went bad and I just disconnected it.

If you are on the Pittsburgh end of PA, Star Volvo in Greensburg has excellent friendly service for your Dealer-Only needs. Rahal is 2nd and Bill Gray is last for my personal satisfaction ratings. Oh, and Don Beyer Volvo in Falls Church VA should NEVER be used in an emergency! 

Good luck!