Since getting my XC in August and discovering this forum as well as the others at Swedespeed and Volvospy, I've found myself becoming a much more atuned driver. There have been a few common problems with my XC and those of others that have been discussed here and which have been fixed as a result. Lately, a post in Volvospy has address a problem with the transmission, especially with the Geartronic feature. Apparently the performance is not what some were hoping for and there is a software upgrade to improve it called ID642 ??? One of the other things that this upgrade is suppose to improve is the smoothness of downshifts when in the auto mode. I personally am happy with the Geartronic performance but have noticed that when slowing from highway speed to take a turn onto a side street for example, the car downshifts rather abruptly. I have noticed this for a long time and thought it was normal. Now, seeing that it can be "fixed", I would like some expert opinions and info on this problem and software fix. Does anyone here know anything about this? Also, does anyone else with and XC notice this as I have? Thanks to all very much, TOM.

Tom-

I don't recall a SW fix for the '01 XC trans, but your dealer should be able to access the info on driving the car to set the adaptive parameters on the 5 speed auto trans. It lists the sequence of driving conditions to reduce/eliminate the harsh shifts you describe. There is a labor op # and a warranty time allowance so they can get paid for the time involved. Under normal driving conditions, it may take SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES for the trans to complete the adaptive process that Volvo will pay the tech to perform for .7 hours.

Dave the Volvo Tech

'99 V70R AWD, '93 854 GLT, '82 242 DL