G/box: AW50151AWD: Revs at different speeds

[Father Ted]

Hi all.
I'm not convinced that my torque converter locks up, but I'm not convinced it doesn't either.

I've been watching the revs at different speeds under different driving conditions. Towing the caravan, steady 60mph, on motorway, about 2000 rpm.
Driving near home, steady 40mph, around 2000 rpm.

This would suggest that, at lower speed, it doesn't lock up.
Is this right? Oil looks ok (but will be changing soon anyway).
No hard shifts, up or down. No symptoms of a problem.
I'm just wondering what the real revs should be so I can keep an eye.

[SwissXC90]

Please let us know what year and model Volvo and what engine and gearbox is fitted.

Then we can give you some comparision figures....

[Father Ted]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

Please let us know what year and model Volvo and what engine and gearbox is fitted.

Then we can give you some comparision figures....

D'you know....a thinking person would have thought of that! Doh!

2003 XC90
D5
Autobox (5 speed, I believe).

[Tannaton]

You have the AISIN WARNER 5 speed AW55 gearbox. In D (drive) the torque converter should lock up in 5th gear at around 55 mph but this can vary according to throttle and engine load (e.g. If towing or going up hill).

The above assumes the car is up to temperature, when the gearbox is cold the shift and TC lockup points are raised to expedite the fluid warmup.

In manual (geartronic) mode you should get TC lock at 30 in 3rd, 40 in 4th and 50 in 5th. This can be a really useful feature when towing.

When you get TC lockup the rev counter will follow the speedo proportionately like a manual car and you get engine braking.

[Father Ted]

Thanks.
It could be that I've only noticed this on short runs and may not be up to temperature.
It was the rev counter that flagged this up to me, it never stays properly constant.
I might take it up the M53 at the weekend.

Useful figures for using the geartronic shifting. I'll have a play with that. I was using this feature for engine braking when I was towing in the summer and found it really useful.

[SiliconS]

I've just bought a 2007 with the 6-speed box so this may not be relevant to your question, but I've noticed the revs are all over the place so much more than they are in my Jaguar XKR with its much more positive ZF gearbox. I was initially worried that the gearbox clutches were slipping or something, but as I've got used to it I've calmed down. I think this is just part of the Volvo's laid-back driving style.

It's a useful tip about the geartronic vs. auto mode - I'll try the box in manual mode and see whether it's more predictably locked in gear like the Jaaag's usually is.

[Wonko]

Originally Posted by SiliconS

I've just bought a 2007 with the 6-speed box so this may not be relevant to your question, but I've noticed the revs are all over the place so much more than they are in my Jaguar XKR with its much more positive ZF gearbox. I was initially worried that the gearbox clutches were slipping or something, but as I've got used to it I've calmed down. I think this is just part of the Volvo's laid-back driving style.

Exactly the same here. Slip city. I also am used to the ZF boxes and was initially concerned, but it all seems fine. Makes for very smooth driving at least.

[n10khn]

Originally Posted by Wonko

Exactly the same here. Slip city. I also am used to the ZF boxes and was initially concerned, but it all seems fine. Makes for very smooth driving at least.

Thank god its normal🙄 my 2007 XC90 geartronic feels slippy. I’ve just changed from a tight 8 Speed ZF gearbox and the Volvo feels very old fashioned compaired to a modern ZF box . Changed the fluid today which doesn’t seem to have made much difference 🙄. Think another change with a new filter in the summer , no othe faults apart from on light throttle gears change at around 2200/ 2500 feels a bit high to me. Does anyone else’s seem like mine? Is it normal?
Thanks Nick