XC70 Geartronic - Gearbox/Transmission issues?
 

I've been offered a '54 plate XC70 D5 SE Geartronic for a good price :) I've facied getting an XC70 for at least the last 10 years or so

This car has 180,000 miles its got an engine management fault, and an ABS fault and can be sluggish pulling away when steering left...

I have not seen the car yet, but have pretty much committed to the purchase (the price is low enough to take the risk). I'm not worried at all about engine management or ABS issues - they are normally easy enough to sort... :shocked:

But - the geartronic is new to me. I normally only ever go for manual boxes.

In terms of the car in generally I know them well enough (I've done 110,000 miles in my other '54 V70 and bought 2 other volvos in the last 2 months), What should I be looking out for in terms of the transmission and 4wd system?

Usually the Geartronic boxes are pretty solid (assuming they've had their fluid changed at reasonable intervals, and haven't been abused). If, however this one hasn't been looked after they can be problematic and expensive to repair... I've seen the Geartronic boxes still going strong at 200k+

As for the ABS fault, it's common on this platform for the reluctor rings to go brittle and break apart on the driveshaft.

Re the AWD systems... They have a common weak point, which is the splined collar that couples the gearbox output to the angle gear likes to strip. However, I think this is only an issue on the R due to them not being built to handle the power! Change your Haldex/AOC fluid and you'll be dandy I reckon.

Here's a handy thread with a bunch of servicing tips for the R (same drivetrain as an XC70.) https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/fo...30306&p=138100

Thanks

I know this one has been used for a bit of towing - hopefully it won't be too bad - will see on Sunday! I have done 1 ABS ring on the other car - and need to do another one now...

get the gearbox hot (minimum 15min test drive) - offer to pay him a tenner for fuel.

they will most likely only play up with with sustained hard throttle or while under slip eg crawl up a hill.

also check the dipstick if 5 speed - it should be clearly red, if its grey or black it's probably shagged

Well guys, I bought it

The trans fluid is red, but just starting to go brown if you see what I mean

I have spent a few quid on it getting it right, but I don't like the auto box :( there is nothing wrong with it - I just don't like it.

A few more little bits and pieces to do and then I will sell it on. I'm sticking with my manual V70 :)

horses for courses really, I like a manual and I think probably so does anyone who's passionate about 'real driving' as it were

but for a cruiser, and particularly for sitting in slow traffic, you can't beat an auto.

I actually bought mine so that the missus can drive it, she's only got a auto license, at first I thought what have I done!? but it's really grown on me

for smaller, lighter nimble cars, like hot hatches or coupe's maybe it would feel very wrong and a total waste of potential, but on a big heavy car, it's not such a loss to me anyway

Manual/automatic debate's all rather moot v-a-v a keen driver because it's unlikely he or she would have bought an XC70 ;)

First Auto I have ever owned tbh

Its the 17th vehicle in my current fleet (no not all are roadworthy :teeth_smile:)

I like manual transmissions but the wife has only passed an auto test so I am stuck with that.

I bought a geartronic for the next best thing as you can manually shift the gears at least and gives your left hand something to do (joking aside).