G/box: AWD: Gearbox advice

[Stuart Greenleaf]

Hello,
I have a 64 plate XC70 D5 geartronic automatic which has 94k on the clock.
I have been noticing a problem with the gearbox. It doesn't happen all the time and is difficult to describe but when the box downshifts there is a sort of shudder.
I have zero mechanical knowledge but wonder if the box is worn to the point where complete failure is imminent. In all other respects the car is in good condition and has been annually serviced. I wonder if a gearbox repair might be worth considering as I am very happy with the car and want to keep it if possible.
Your views/advice would be mos welcomed.

[myfirstv70]

Hi, you have accidentally posted this in the 2000 -2007 section - it might be worth reposting this in 2007 onwards section. I don't have an autobox but I've read plenty on the forum to have a bit of a view on the subject. First check the oil level and oil condition. Many, not all, gearbox 'faults' can be remedied or vastly improved by changing the gearbox oil out. This roughness is usually manifested by old, dirty, smelly oil. It should be a crimson colour. The general method is to drain off what you can replace it with fresh oil, drive it for a few days and keep doing this maybe 3,4,5 times until the oil looks pretty much like new oil. Unfortunately it wont just drain like the engine oil; a significant quantity remains inside and that's why it takes so many goes to dilute the old crap with fresh oil. The subject has been done to death on here and there will be people with far, far more knowledge than me so maybe listen to them not me! Just make sure you use the exact grade of oil in the gearbox!
HTH,
Nobby

[colenso]

Originally Posted by Stuart Greenleaf

Hello,
I have a 64 plate XC70 D5 geartronic automatic which has 94k on the clock.
I have been noticing a problem with the gearbox. It doesn't happen all the time and is difficult to describe but when the box downshifts there is a sort of shudder.
I have zero mechanical knowledge but wonder if the box is worn to the point where complete failure is imminent. In all other respects the car is in good condition and has been annually serviced. I wonder if a gearbox repair might be worth considering as I am very happy with the car and want to keep it if possible.
Your views/advice would be mos welcomed.

I had a similar shudder problem on my '09 XC70, I was at the time concerned that I'd need a replacement gearbox or at the least a torque converter. Being new to Volvo I wasn't at all sure as to whether the shudder was a big issue or not. Anyhow as has been said there is a lot of guidance from the peeps in this forum.
I flushed the gearbox with new ATF four times in a run, to get rid of the old stuff and after a test drive found that the shudder had practically disappeared. However there was a very occasional slight shuddery feeling even at this point, so I decided to use a small dose of LubeGard friction modifier in addition. This combination has rid any sign of shudder at minimal cost.
Look on the forum for detailed explanation of the flush process, which can be done yourself if so inclined; probably best this way and then you'll know that it's been done well and properly. Good luck and let us know the outcome.

Peter

[Georgeandkira]

What year does "64 plate" translate into?

Do you do any mechanical work yourself?

If not, the easy first steps mentioned above will seem daunting if not completely foreign.

Repeated "drain & fills" were suggested above to refresh the fluid and dilute dirt.
Another method involves disconnecting a transmission cooling line and pumping out old fluid as new fluid is added. This is usually done 2 l at a time.

I mention this as a warning against the third commonly mentioned method which is to attach your car to a harsh pumping machine. This is one thing you do not want to do.

[mcfe]

To me it sounds like worn clutch packs or TCC and you are getting slippage. Fluid will not fix this. But do check the condition.

I have a similar problem at the point where the torque converter is in slip lockup just before fully engaging and I have TC shudder.

Here is a test you can do but you need a hill with a great inclination(and no cars so you can do this without being rushed).
Use gear tronic and force car in 3rd gear(or whichever gear you think this happens in) and as you approach the hill start pressing the accelerator very slowly.

This is easier if you can somehow monitor the gearbox in real time via VIDA.

[myfirstv70]

Originally Posted by Georgeandkira

What year does "64 plate" translate into?

Do you do any mechanical work yourself?

If not, the easy first steps mentioned above will seem daunting if not completely foreign.

Repeated "drain & fills" were suggested above to refresh the fluid and dilute dirt.
Another method involves disconnecting a transmission cooling line and pumping out old fluid as new fluid is added. This is usually done 2 l at a time.

I mention this as a warning against the third commonly mentioned method which is to attach your car to a harsh pumping machine. This is one thing you do not want to do.

Howdy Georgeandkira, I hope you're keeping well? 64plate = Sept 2014 onwards to March 2015......
Cheers,
Nobby

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Stuart Greenleaf

Hello,
I have a 64 plate XC70 D5 geartronic automatic which has 94k on the clock.
I have been noticing a problem with the gearbox. It doesn't happen all the time and is difficult to describe but when the box downshifts there is a sort of shudder.
I have zero mechanical knowledge but wonder if the box is worn to the point where complete failure is imminent. In all other respects the car is in good condition and has been annually serviced. I wonder if a gearbox repair might be worth considering as I am very happy with the car and want to keep it if possible.
Your views/advice would be mos welcomed.

Gearbox service may help.