G/box: 2WD: V70 2.4T transmission with a mind of it's own.

[robertandsusan]

1997 V70 2.4T Auto transmission problem.................help!!!!
Some weeks ago the transmission went into winter mode with a transmission fault light (after going through a bad winter and acting normally!). So, flashing orange arrow and no 1st and 2nd gear. This is intermittent. Sometimes there is no arrow and I have all gears, sometimes there is an arrow and I have all gears and sometimes there is no arrow and I have no low gears, it appears to have a mind of it's own. Took it to an independent Volvo workshop and they said it would cure itself when the weather gets warmer (?). Pinning them down I asked for a full diagnosis and repair and they said it was possibly a solenoid fault and the the car wasn't worth the repair. (Admitted, the car isn't worth much in cash but is worth a lot to me). Yesterday everything went right (after a period of not being right), still the transmission fault light but no flashing arrow, all the gears and will go into and out of winter mode by pressing the button. Today another garage did a diagnosis and they said ir was a solenoid fault. In conversation with someone else they said replacing the solenoid may work but probably the gearbox needs to be changed!. Are they mad? When the gearbox is working properly this car goes like a rocket. Any ideas from anyone

[V70Zig]

Well, been there done that and ended up having the box reconditioned £££££ ! So you could try replacing the ATF if it's not in good condition (plenty of threads on here about it) and, or if it's good try an additive like Lubeguard that claims to free up sticking solenoids. Don't hold your breath though as I said been there done that. Hope you have better luck than me

[Chris_Rogers]

If the fault light is on then you need to know which codes are stored before anyone can give you any informed advice.

I'd suggest you invest a small sum in a device like this:

http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_GDEOBD.html

read the fault codes and come back for advice.

[V70Zig]

Are you sure this will read the gearbox codes ?

[robertandsusan]

Well, the solenoid in question is apparently deep inside the gearbox. Getting this fixed is out of the question. However, the transmission fluid hasn't been changed for years. Tomorrow they will drain, flush and refill. So we will see. I will try the additive as well, after all it does state that it will free sticking valves (and solenoids). If all fails it will be on eBay advertised as either a ram raid car (if they can get enough run up with only 3rd and 4th) or a gettaway car (if all the gears work). It will be a sad day though............I love this car.

[mikealder]

Another possible is the PNP switch, try rowing the auto selector lever back and forwards quite a few times quickly as this can clear dirt off the PNP switch contacts and is a free thing to try so no harm in trying it - Mike

[Chris_Rogers]

Originally Posted by V70Zig

Are you sure this will read the gearbox codes ?

The gearbox and the engine are OBDII compliant in this car, so yes it should read both, a Volvo specific reader would be better but at a much higher price.

[TurboZutek]

The solenoid is at the periphery of the box, not deep inside. It's a bit of a bugger to get to, sure, but it's doable in two to four hours depending. It's about a quarter the work of removing the gearbox, which you must do to replace or rebuild it: so the suggestion of a new box doesn't even make sense from a time perspective.

Also 'ah, solenoids' is the battle cry of the poorly informed. Whoever works on this box needs to do an actual diagnosis, starting with some codes. I'd suggest getting a new garage who have some experience of automatics. Anywhere that says a flashing transmission arrow requires a 'new car' shouldn't be receiving your money.

Chris...

[robertandsusan]

Quite right about garages telling you anything they like particularly when they think you know nothing. I recently had a steering ram replaced. I noticed oil wherever I parked and sent the car back. They said the boot was torn and they would replace it. When I pointed out that the boot was to stop dust and dirt only and that if oil was present surely that would suggest that a seal was leaking on the ram. Umming and aaahing was followed by saying they would check this out. The steering arm cost £600, and they left the car filthy, and a front indicator lens disappeared after replacing the bulb for an MOT. I needn't go on I'm sure.
Regarding the PNP switch. I have done the suggested with mixed results but, with this gearbox, anything is a mixed result. These things are sent to try us!!

[volvobysea]

I have a similar problem with my 850 automatic gearbox if I reverse at the start of the day. My solution is I reverse park at night and the flashing arrow problem and losing low gears does not happen.

I have driven my car for about six months( 5000) miles with this fault.
I also know that the gearbox fluid was changed in 2010 before I bought the car so this fault could be quite old.

As suggested by a previous member just rock the selector backwards and forwards and the arrow fault should clear. However it sometimes takes a few attempts at rocking and at different times in the day before the fault clears.

I also find if I stop the car soon after the flashing arrow appears and restart, I have the annoying arrow but the car has all its gears.

I hope you may be able to work out a pattern with the behavior of your gearbox so that an expensive rebuild is not necessary.