The transmission on my 1998 XC is failing - at least I have 81k miles. I was getting shuddering on the 2-3 upshift for a couple thousand miles, then got the check engine/flashing arrow combo. Mechanic read the code as slipping in 3rd gear, and he is right because the tranny is audibly slipping. Fluid was dark and burnt. I had the fluid flushed and replaced a while back.
So far, my mechanic just flushed and replaced fluid to see if that helps (he's a conservative guy who prefers to try the simple, inexpensive approach before simply replacing the transmission) and cleared the code, but I am expecting that I will have to replace the transmission before long.
fwiw, I used to have a Merkur Scorpio. Transmission was fixed once under warranty at 50k and then had to be rebuilt again at 110k, so 81k seems par for the course.

Hi,
I'm completely (well not exactly) out of my terrain here; just passing through. But the term 'transmission failure' is a very nondescriptive. I think you dealer doesn't know what they are talking about. Transmission, especially Volvos, don't "fail" execpt under extreme abuse or neglect. On rare occasion (PNPs exluded) I have driven auto transmissions in my Volvos since 1982. These things are pretty bullet proof, including the 960 series which I currently drive. I;m even suspect of the post below that mentioned a 960 transmision failure, unless this person actually did the work himself. We had a simlar circumstance in the S/V90 board where a Brickster was on the brink of replacing a transmission. turned out not to be the case. Just an observation. Hope tings work out for you.
--
John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

The fact that the warranty expired so recently and that you had the transmission "episode" at 35k should put you in pretty good position to negotiate something with Volvo. A transmission failure at 55k is perfectly ridiculous but there does seem to be quite a bit of it going on at Volvo - at even lower miles than that - especially on S80s. That drivetrain does not seem to be very strong - I would be hesitant to keep the car after it's fixed.

1.) I'd suggest finding a reliable independent Volvo shop. Most areas that have a couple of Volvo dealers also have a couple of independent Volvo shops.

2.) "Flashing arrow" can be the PNP switch, but "shudder" is more worrisome. Yes people have reported transmission failures here when the fluid isn't changed. Volvo claims it's "lifetime" but most of the indy Volvo shops and some dealers suggest routine fluid changes.

3.) My stack of service invoices is waaaay past the point that it will fit in the glovebox! Yeah, I've replaced the window switch, too. And I'm going for my fourth windshield, fourth cabin temp sensor, etc. etc.

Except for the transmisison and for an XC70, yours doesn't sound bad at all. You do have the first attempt at a Volvo AWD system, threads here and elsewhere suggest that the new Volvos have a much less troublesome system.

4.)If you had a Volvo 240 that you nursed up to 170k, that was one of the simplest vehicles around, there simply weren't that many components to break.

5.) I don't think any European car is likely to be much better than your Volvo XC70.

My wife drives a Honda Odyssey which has been flawless for 80k, I also drive an Acura which has been flawless.

I plan to trade the Acura for another Volvo this spring.

I've been looking for a used Volvo for my daughter, and I found TWO XC70 Volvos, both light silver but different years, parked together on my Honda dealer's used car lot. I can just imagine the scenario that took place, and also imagine the brand-new light silver Honda Pilot and brand-new light silver CR-V driving out of the Honda dealer.

I've been driving Swedish iron for 22 years now so I think I know what I'm geting into, but for most people a Eurocar (of ANY make) is not the best choice. I happen to like the comfort, handling, ergonomics and safety of a Volvo and figure it's a cheaper vice than many others. Good luck!

-BTC

'98 V70 T5 5-speed "Winter Beater" 154k mi, front IPD stabilizer bar, rear factory HD bar, Bilstein HD, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, e-codes, V-1, Mobil-1 since new, Michelin Arctic Alpins

I have a 2000 XC with 70K mi and haven't had this problem. I do have a 92 960 that I bought with 70K or so on it. The transmission went out at 100K. Like you I've never had a transmission fail in my life before this one. I did have to replace my pnp switch just before the trans went out. The "clutch" plates inside the trans were destroyed either by contamination of the transmission fluid with antifreeze, read a leak in the radiator, or overstressing the trans by hauling excessively weighted trailers. 55K miles is way too early but check your antifreeze for the obvious discoloration of contamination by engine oil and that burnt smell. FYI, my cost with the dlr was about $2500.

pgoff,

It could simply be your PNP switch. Check the threads in the Archives.

Do your feel the tranny slipping? Is the fluid very dark and/or does it have a burnt smell? Have you done a lot of towing?

I'd get a second opinion before I authorized any work.

Good luck,

Bryan