I just got my 2003 XC 90 back yesterday after having the transmission, cooling lines and radiator replaced. I have 87,000 miles on my vehicle and have full maintenance records. 3 weeks ago we started off on a trip and the Urgent Transmission Service warning appeared. We slowly drove home, got in my 1995 Volvo 850 and went on our trip. After returning home 2 days later I called the local Cedar Rapids, IA Volvo dealer, Junge Volvo. The Service Manager told me to bring it in, they would drop the pan, read codes and send the information to Volvo corporate for disposition. Turned out the codes are the ones Volvo calls the death codes that have to do with 3rd gear ratios. Volvo authorized the dealer to perform a complete transmission and associated cooling system replacement. I was without the car for approximately 2 weeks, but have absolutely no complaints. Mike Sands, the service manager at Junge Volvo, was outstanding and kept me up to date with the repair status. The parts and labor were completely covered by Volvo and it has a 2-year warranty on the replaced parts. Two factors come into the equation on repair. 1. Regular maintenance by Volvo. 2. Respect for the servicing dealer and understand that they will do their best on your behalf. It does no good to get confrontational and blame them for the defect. This is a known problem with the T-6 engine/transmisson combination and they will work to make it right if you give them a chance. Also even if you do not suspect a failure it may be good to take it to the dealer and have them check out the car and flush the transmission. That way you establish a relationship with the dealer and show “Volvo loyalty”.
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