Judder at 2000rpm

[ZER0]

Hello all.

Slight weird thing happening on my XC90 (55 plate, 160bhp, auto, d5 thats done around 143k miles) that I'm hoping you can shed some light on...

While driving at about 2000rpm, whether it's in 3rd going 30ish, 4th doing 40ish or 5th around 60ish, accelerating up an incline, even a slight one, the car judders. If I change down, or accelerate harder to build the revs, it stops. And it doesn't do it on level or down hill.

It has done it on and off over the last year, but my wife has said it is becoming more noticeable/regular. Other than this the car seems fine, it had its MOT Monday and passed with no advisories.

Could it just be something like the gearbox getting confused and being in too high a gear? Is that a software issue?

Thanks in advance

[cheshired5]

Is the judder reflected in the revs or is it just a physical juddering of the car?

[ZER0]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

Is the judder reflected in the revs or is it just a physical juddering of the car?

Just a physical judder. The rev needle is steady as normal

[cheshired5]

Check the gearbox torque mount for perished bushes and play.
If that's ok, maybe vacuum test the main mounts.

[Ducklakeview]

Sounds like the torque converter lockup clutch not engaging properly, most likely due to a faulty/sticking solenoid. I'd advise a fluid change on the box if it's not had one..

Mike

[GreenBrick]

My Audi auto used to judder in certain circumstances, but that was due to the throttle position sensor being faulty, so the gearbox didn't know I was pressing on more. Does the kickdown still work, as that was another symptom?

[Ducklakeview]

The D5 doesn't have a throttle position sensor in the traditional sense, it's "drive by wire" ie no physical throttle.

Trust me, the symptoms you describe point to the TC lock up clutch, the speeds are bang on, and there is no TC lock up in 1st or 2nd..

Mike

[ZER0]

thanks for the replies.

I had a drive last night; the kick down still works as it should, and it's not doing it in 3rd. It's only juddering in 4th and 5th.

I like to think I know a bit about cars, but I'm a total dumb a$$ when it gets slightly technical, but I'm sure my mechanic will know what to do when I tell him to check torque converters and fluid changes.

Is this an urgent issue? Is it causing damage?

Thanks again

[ZER0]

Originally Posted by Ducklakeview

Sounds like the torque converter lockup clutch not engaging properly, most likely due to a faulty/sticking solenoid. I'd advise a fluid change on the box if it's not had one..

Mike

You guys are great.

I had the car in for the fluid change on Monday and all seems fine and well. No more judder, and it goes into 1st much smoother when using the tip mode too. (It was a bit clunky before if the car was moving above a snails pace.)

Thanks very much, it's greatly appreciated.

I just need to find out the cost now!

[ZER0]

£70.00 all in.

I didn't really have a clue what to expect, but I was very happy with that 😃