I'm looking at buying a 1999 V70R AWD but I didn't see the 'TRACS' switch in the dash?

I thought the V70R AWD came with TRACS standard, is that right? Did they remove the switch (I test-drove a 98 and thought it had the switch)?

Let me know,

Thanks,

Mike

I believe the TRACS switch was simply not installed on the 99s for economic reasons, but it's there. Same on my 99 XC. I bought the switch ($30) and installed it myselfÑthe wiring harness is behind the blank. I will likely never turn off TRACS, but the switch looks better than a blank. So you were right, you have it, just no switch.

Thanks for the info. (My wife was concerned that the car did not have TRACS. She has decided that she would feel much safer with it).

Another question, the 98 V70R AWD we tested had buttons for 'S|E|W' (Sport, Economy, Winter/Wet) in front of the gearshifter. The 99 V70R AWD, only had 'Winter'. Is that also normal?

Let me know. Thanks,

Mike

The 1999 and 2000 also are equiped with the new 5 speed automatic gearbox, so not only does it learn your driving patern, but it also has a 5th speed! Compared to the 1998's.

Hi Louis-Philippe,

that's very interesting.

I thought the 5 speed auto was only in the 2000s. (that, the extra +-15 HP and the dual exhaust was the reason I would have prefered a 2000 - but since I already can't really afford the 99, I had to 'settle').

Are you sure the 99 does have it? How can I tell for sure? You'd certainly know more than me but I thought the specs I had seen said 99->4spd, 00->5spd. Is it a something that differs depending of the country (I'm in Canada (Ottawa actually - when I posted a message about VIPs I was interested in a car that was at your garage))

Let us know.

Thanks again,

Mike

Hello Michel,

In theory all 99 and up have what is called ETS, electronic throttle system, no more cable between the gaz pedal and the throttle body. With this system comes an all new injection system, and a 5 speed automatic transmission, no more S/E/W buttons.

In practice I have never seen an 1999 AWD R, on Monday I will look in the VADIS system, to give you an accurate answer on this.

By the way the 1998 black R, is sold, but we have a lease return: 2000 black R,graphite interior with the aluminium inserts, 25000km, super clean! They are still expensive, you could always build-up a 1998, like I did:

IPD twin exaust, sport springs, K&N air filter, adjustment of the turbo to the real factory specs... And when the factory warranty is over the IPD computer! Arround 300hp!

Hi Louis-Phillipe,

if you can find out the definitive answer on the VADIS (I guess that's your computer lookup system ?!?), I'm sure many of us would be interested to know.

I actually saw the 2000 last weekend when I came to see the sales-person. It looks awesome but it's way out of my budget :(. Fortunetaly, I was lucky enough to find a 99 that was traded-in at another dealership.

I'll have to check out those upgrades at some point. Is yours the 'saffron' one that's often parked in front of the dealership? (I actually thought it was a 2000 from the exhaust).

Thanks again and let us know about the 4/5 speed.

Mike

Hey Michel,

I was wrong, Abe Crombie was right, the 1999 awd is a 4 speed (AW42AWD) but with the new injection system with ETS, came the adaptive transmission system that learns your driving patern, the S/E/W buttons are no longuer needed. The best way to find out is looking at the shifter gate itself 4 speed, or 3 speed.The only 5 speed AWD (AW50AWD) are on the R models 2000,even the XC are 4 speeds.

Hope this helps!

N.B. Yep the Saffron is mine, 1998 was the only year the color was available on C70 coupes, convertibles, and V70R's

Louis-Philippe Gélinas wrote:

> N.B. Yep the Saffron is mine, 1998 was the only year the color was

> available on C70 coupes, convertibles, and V70R's

Not true. 435 has been available in Canada since the 1998 MY on. I don't think too many were sold in 1999 but I know of at least one coupe and two convertibles in Saffron for the 2000 MY. It is not available for 2001 MY.

Thanks for confirming it (and thanks Abe) - I figured it was too good to be true.

Mike

THe 5 spd auto is in the 2000, not in 99.

The Sport/Economy button went away in favor of the trans control unit deciding your driving pattern by your throttle application behavior. With the switch you have to manaully change switch to get the trans responsiveness to change. With the trans adaptive shift control (no SE switch), the throttle being applied abruptly and depressed far will be a signal that you are in need of the Sport program whereas depressing throttle gently and not too far is deciphered as Economy program.

Michael,

the "missing" S/E buttons is also normal. With the 99s they were eliminated because the transmission computer "remembers" how you drive and adjusts to economy or sport shifts according to the average way you drive (Technology these days!). Only the winter mode remains (which you probably know) is to help make starting from slippery conditions more stable (trans. starts in 3rd gear...less torque).