The reverse of my manual S70 is sometimes a little difficult to engage when the car is cold.

It is not really a problem yet, but the dealer says that it likely is an indication that the clutch is on its way out, which means a EUR 1,000 (USD 1,240) repair.

Any ideas or suggestions?

TIA,

R
'99 S70 2.0 NA. - 240Kkm (150Kmi)
'89 745 - 378Kkm

Because if the clutch isn't disengaging completely, it would grind. That would be because of the pilot bearing or clutch slave cylinder, which is internal to the clutch mechanism. Usually, the clutch is replaced while everything is apart.

Does double-clutching help?

Otherwise, I'd think "external linkage" or "internal transmission". (EEEK!)

BTW, Volvo dealers are pretty much clueless when it comes to clutches and manual transmissions in the USA.

Good luck, and please let us know what it is. I'm up at 148k miles, so I havce more than a passing interest in your outcome!

-BTC

'98 V70 T5M, 148k mi, IPD stabilizer bars, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1

Bill,

Thank you for your response.

No, it doesn't grind, it just sometimes doesn't really want to engage. I do not try to force it into reverse because that is of course a sure way to disaster, but I just shift it into 1st gear and move forward a few inches, and then usually reverse will engage. Sometimes I have to do this twice before it works. Once warm the problem seems to disappear.

Since the car is stationary when it happens double-clutching is not an option (let me know if I misunderstood what you mean).

I just had the tranny oil replaced (likely the first time since the car was built. I fail to understand why Volvo do not put that on the service schedule say every 100Kmi) so we will see whether that helps.

I now live in The Netherlands, where most cars have manual gearboxes, so the dealer really should know what he is talking about. I must admit though that at times I do get the feeling that I am the one doing the analytical part of his job.

I really am stumped by this one.

My 1998 S70 T5M has always been a little difficult going
into reverse. I always thought it was designed that way so
you don't accidently go into reverse. A nudge into another
gear first seems to make it easier to engage reverse.

The oil is never replaced because it is a sealed system and
it should never get dirty (no combustion blow-by like the
engine has). It is synthetic from the factory and is supposed
to last the life of the transmission. Did the problem occur after
your oil change?

No, the problem was there before the oil change (which took place last week). I found out over the past few days that it got no better and no worse.

I certainly wouldn't describe it as an accute problem, but I am still wondering what causes it...

I've had the same symptoms for years. I just slip the stick into
another[ 2nd ] gear [ while cluth pedal is pressed ] before going
to reverse. This works for me.

Also someone recently recommended on BB doing this to extend the life
of manual tranny.
--
C70 hpt m