Has anyone found the fix for the automatic transmission problems on the V70's? I insisted the dealer do a software update back in November, but that still hasn't solved the problem. Has Volvo come out with anything or any acknowledgement there is any problem? The dealer has been no help at all.

The problem occurs intermetintly, maybe every 1,000 miles, and since we only drive 8,000 miles a year, it can take several months for it to happen. There is no ryme or reason as to when the problem occurs. The dealer says unless I get a Warning light to come on, then there is nothing he can do. I want him to @ least document the problem, so if I have to I can use the Lemon Law. It appears to be a cold weather condition, not bad for a car that comes from Sweeden!!!
I have read in this Forum where some people had a "Black Box" that Volvo attacthed to their car, & whenever the problem occured they pressed a button that locked the info into a seprate computer. I have alse read where Volvo replaced Transmission Valve Bodies, & eventually the whole Transmission trying to find the problem. When I asked my local Volvo dealers about this problem, all they say is "You are driving a Volvo, they don't break down & we have never heard of the problems you are talking about" I know they are lying, because their lips are moving!

our 2000 V70 SE with the AW5 (Aisin-Warner 5 speed automatic) had similiar problems, mainly loud clunks when automatically downshifting, as in slowing for a stop. The car was an overseas delivery (US model delivered on east coast, purchased in Europe).

At just about 50K miles the trans was impossible to live with. What finally fixed it: Software upgrade. The dealer hooks a computer up to the car and software is downloaded from Volvo USA. Before that, the dealer looked at the motor and trans mounts, test drove it numerous times, was recommedning next to change the ATF. I insisted on the computer download and that's what fixed it.

As I recall there was slight confusion over whether the software upgrade would work, because the VIN (overseas delivery) didn't fit in the range of USA models qualified for the software fix. Like I said, I asked then to do it anyway. Car was outside of warranty, dealer finished the job "no charge" for good will and because they were as frustrated as I was.

Car is now at 70K with no repeat problems.

The AW 5 is a nice trans when performing correctly.

Robert

Exactly what is your auto trans problem ? Which auto trans do you have ?
I have a '03 V70T5 with Geartronic and so far there have been no problems. Is there something to be in the look out for ?

I have the Japanese made 5-speed(auto).
It doesn't always pick-up 3rd gear, which sends the transmission into a neutral condition, and in extemely cold weather, it starts off in high gear, even though it's not in Winter Mode. The problem is the computer doesn't record any faults.
I'm trying to work with the dealer, but they act like I own the only Volvo that does this, they try & blow me off.

Dave

a big huge load of crap!!!! Start making some noise and you'll get the download!

Are these conditions/defects repeatable ? Do they happen everytime if you do certain things ? Have you been able to leave the car at the dealer so they could witness the occurances ? It sounds to me to be a computer/electrical problem. Could be as simple as a loose harness or connector or as bad as a defective computer module.

Just be thankfull you don't have a Beemer like we do..... we are on a waiting list for a replacement transmission on a 3 series with less than 3K miles.... these BMW trans are dropping like flies!!! By the way we are getting a rebuilt unit not a new one!!!! and this on an almost new vehicle!! We are not happy campers.

sounds almost as good as the old bmw 2.8 engines that used to disolve in unlead ed petrol, i read on the web that i think 12k was the record for the shortest a block lasted....

personnaly ANY car that had a transmission go out at 3k ...i would shove down the dealers throat and tell him 'new car NOW'