I bought an '02 V70 wagon (Turbo, 115K miles, auto transmission) about 4 months ago. Love the car - it's our fourth inline-5 wagon, but our first turbo brick. Car has been running great; I bought it from someone I know, who has been meticulously taking care of it through the dealer. Lately, my wife has complained about some 'hesitation' when gently accelerating at higher speeds (40 - 50 mph). I test drove it yesterday, and it seems to downshift, then quickly shift back up again (unless you accelerate more aggressively). She's worried it's fuel-related, but I'm pretty sure it's the transmission. 'Any ideas?

Thanks,

Bernie

That is about the same speed as the torque converter lockup. I suggest that the lockup disengages when you apply gas and because of the light throttle application, locks up again. If this is the case, nothing to worry about.

The TCU/ECU are 'learned' modules. Because the driving habits of the PO and your wife are different, it might just be 'relearning' and settle down after a while.

Unrelated: Most dealers use regular oil, switch to synthetic to keep the gunk buildup to a minimum. If a dealer says they use synthetic, ask to see the drums of oil.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus, after about one week, my wife has also noticed 'hesitation' while idling at a stop/light (with a cold engine). It seems to be trying to do the same as my other '02 V70 wagon (NON-turbo, 220K miles, auto trans.), i.e switching from 1st to neutral when at a stop or light. So, I am wondering if we have two '02s with the same transmission issue that's been discussed elsewhere. Here are my questions:

- Does the shifting get increasingly worse (on the non-turbo we only observe the issue at a stop, while car is in gear)?

- Does the TURBO have two separate issues, one at N/1st, the other at 4th/5th?

- You mentioned a 'fix' kit by IPD. Is this something I can do?

Thanks in advance!

Bernd Zimmermann

Here is a 'fix' for a hard shift problem, read the description. Probably not for your cars:
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5538/107960-automatic-transmission-b4-servo-cover-update-aw55-50-51

There is a software 'fix' for the stop light, low rpm, from the factory. The dealer can tell you if it has been applied to your cars.

Also check the ATF for color as you might want to flush it with new 3309 fluid.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

My wife`s `03 XC70 developed serious "tranny flare" after several years of almost flawless service. We did the 3309 tranny flush & the IPD B4 "fix". That seemed to temporarily improve the issue but after a month or so, the hard shifting, etc came back with a vengeance so had to retire the car. Everything about the car was running strong!
Rich

That's very interesting, Klaus. I have read elsewhere that the transmission on these cars uses 'learning algorithms', and my wife's driving habits are definitely less 'aggressive' than mine. But I have also read that Volvo had some trouble with the '01 - '02 transmissions that could be addressed with a software upgrade (?). I'll give it a few weeks, and just let her drive it to see if it gets re-acquainted to her driving, then maybe check in with the dealer.

Thanks,

Bernie

P.S.: I'm getting ready to do an oil/filter change. What synthetic do you recommend for an '02 V70 - 2.4T?

Any brand full synthetic engine oil will do. Check the owner's manual for viscosity. And a Mann filter insert?

Correct, tranny problems exist for the 5 speed auto. It is easy enough to call the dealer and verify that the car is 'up to date' with the factory updates. Most of the software is related to hard shifts and shifting to "N" at traffic lights instead of 1st.

IPD has a hard shift 'fix', but you don't have that problem.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus, as always I appreciate the info ...