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Now that I have had a few days to play around with the XC70, I have made a few more observations.
1) The code reader at O'reilly's was only able to indicate that there was a problem with the transmission and that the codes would need to be read by a shop's scanner.
2) The transmission was over-filled with fluid. The fluid is reddish brown.
3) When the car is first started, the transmission shifts smoothly through all of the gears as it should. The instrument panel indicates whether the transmission is in P, R, N, or D. This happens whether the car is warmed up or cold. A few minutes after the car is driven, the panel indicator is replaced with a dash, and the transmission stays in what I believe to be 3rd gear.
4) When the transmission has entered this limp-home mode, I can engage gears 1-3 by using the manual shift feature, however, the transitions are very harsh.
5) The limp-home mode can be reset by stopping and restarting the car. After doing this the transmission will shift as it should for a short time... a minute or two... before returning to limp-home.
This weekend I intend to flush the transmission with 3309 and refill it to the correct level.
Any ideas?
--
1966 122s, 1968 142s, 1969 144s, 1979 245dl, 1989 244gl
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I am getting closer to solving this problem. I got a VIDA/DICE setup. It was a real pain to get installed and running properly, but, now that it is, I can see that it will be a very powerful tool to have for maintaining newer Volvo's.
The code from the O'Reily's scanner was "p1618 - fault in lead between aw50-52 and motronic 4.3." This meant that there was a fault stored in the TCM. Once I got the VIDA/DICE going, I was able to read the actual fault. It was the transmission input speed sensor. I was able to watch a graph of the engine speed and the signal from the transmission input speed sensor simultaneously while I was driving. When the car is shifting normally, the two speeds differ until the converter locks up. When the converter locks up, the speed of the two sensors are identical. When the car starts to have the problem, the signal from the transmission input speed sensor is "noisy" and inconsistent... sometimes nonexistent.
The fact that the sensor sends a good signal sometimes makes me think that there may be a dirty connection somewhere. I've cleaned and checked the easy connector in front of the air box. No difference. Sadly, the wires disappear into a massive harness that heads under the fuse box. I guess the next step will be to find a wiring diagram and test for continuity between the connector and the TCU. I will post what I find.
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1966 122s, 1968 142s, 1969 144s, 1979 245dl, 1989 244gl
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Where did you get the Volvo VIDA software that you are using. Any more comments on getting it set up and running right ? We have a 2004 V70 and a code reader would be handy to see why the ABS light is on.
Thanks
Greg
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The setup I got was on eBay. The DICE unit came with VIDA 2012D. I had read that 2012D required 4GB of ram to work properly. The computer I wanted to use only supported a maximum of 2GB. Because of this, I ordered a copy of VIDA 2010B also on eBay for between $30-$40. VIDA 2010B requires a minimum of 2GB ram. The VIDA disk I received in the mail was defective so the seller sent me another copy. While I was waiting, I tried to install 2012D on another computer. I never was able to get it to work.
VIDA 2010B must be installed on a computer running Windows XP Professional. Some say it is an easier process if XP is a fresh install with no other programs or updates present. That is what I did. Also, you must have Internet Explorer 8.0 installed on the computer. Once I had the new 2010B disk, the installation went smoothly. It took a long time... at least half an hour... but I had no troubles.
The DICE units are Chinese copies of the real deal. Quality control is a real issue from what I've read. However, considering the price of a genuine Volvo DICE, $1500+, even if you have to order more than one DICE copy before getting a good one, you are still only spending a fraction of what you would.
The genuine DICE units have bluetooth capabilities and a socket for an SD card, the DICE copies do not. The DICE copies must be connected to the computer with a USB cable.
I would highly recommend getting a DICE/VIDA setup even though they are of sketchy quality. When connected to your car through the DICE unit, VIDA can read and clear fault codes, monitor various parameters... like I did with the speed sensors. It can adjust the settings of onboard components (like the temperature of the head seats, for example) When you do find a fault, it can lead you through the process of testing components and has instructions for removing and replacing parts. There are likely many features that I haven't even found yet. It is, essentially, an interactive shop manual that talks to your car. Now that I have one, I can't imagine owning a late model Volvo (I've been a long-time 240 guy) without one.
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1966 122s, 1968 142s, 1969 144s, 1979 245dl, 1989 244gl
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If you checked the ATF level with the engine off and cold, the fluid will appear to be 2 quarts over full. When very hot, the ATF expands and may read slightly over full on the hot side of the dipstick - this is normal while the engine is at idle.
The color should be pink for new and red for slightly used. When it approaches brown, it needs to be flushed.
Manual shifting will result in harder shifts, but it should never go 'clunk'.
I also suggest getting the servo cover replaced and flushing, but before you get the software updated. A scan will tell the mechanic if the software is up to date or not.
--
My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic
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Go to a Toyota dealer and buy a case of Toyota Type IV fluid (JWS-3309).
Go to the Volvo dealer and by a B4 Servo cover kit (Part # 30751262). This updated part is cheap (~$25)and addresses harsh 2-3 and 3-4 shifts. Many AW55-50/51 transmissions have been given a new lease on life with this.
While you are there, make an appointment for a software update, including diagnostics. The dealer is the only place you will get the software updates you need. The changes are significant in terms of how the solenoids are pulsed, changing how the valve body passages are filled with transmission fluid.
Flush the transmission and refill to the correct level. Install the servo cover (good instructions on Matthew's Volvo site).
Take the car with fresh fluid and the new servo cover installed to the dealer, have them read the proprietary codes, load the software updates and reset the adaptations.
Cross your fingers-- if you're lucky, you'll be back in business.
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I have a question about the tranny software updates and the car’s software updates in general. The car is now 12+ plus years old( and yes, I own a 2001 XC also, with 109K miles on it), when were the last updates released?? Were there any software updates since 2006?? (that’s when I acquired my car). What is the average cost of the software updates??
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My 2003 V70 2.4T had updates done by Volvo 3 years ago, then I needed the LeakDPump replaced, I bought on via Tasca and had a VERY good Volvo indie shop install PLUS they did a new update.. hope this helps..
http://amaliestore.com/shop/amalie-universal-synthetic-automatic-transmission-fluid_160-72866-56/
I use this trans fluid..
--
2003, V70:2.4T,110.350 k,mi. ,, 1985, 245:Ti, 275k mi.sold@250.00k... 1974, 145, 230k mi..sold @260K
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I don't know when the software was updated last-- you could call service at your local dealer and see if they can tell you. Also ask them about Volvo Service for Life:
http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/yourvolvo/volvoserviceforlife/pages/default.aspx
Here in Canada, they did a software update for me for free without a scheduled maintenance visit.
The updates made a significant difference in my car (2000 V70).
I'd be inclined to have them check on yours, especially since it is from a known problem year for the transmission. If you haven't done the B4 Servo cover, I'd be inclined to do it too...
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