Hello All,

I purchased a used 1999 V70 AWD XC in 1999 with just under 12,000. Since that time to the present, I changed the ATF every two years, and within 3 years of purchase, I installed a Magnefine in-line filter to remove metal particles to further promote the longevity of the transmission. The car is just shy of 170,00 miles and recently, I noticed when I put the car in reverse, if I pressed down slightly on the gas pedal, the transmission would slip. If I just put the car in reverse and let the engine idle, the car gently moved in reverse. It was only if I increased the engine RPM, the transmission seemed to “disengage”. The ATF fluid is clean and filled to the top on the dip stick.

My private Volvo mechanic put the car in reverse and experienced the problem. He said the reverse gear is failing, and will ultimately stop working altogether soon. He said this condition is rare, but not unheard of on this particular Volvo. It is always the reverse gear that fails. The 4 forward gears are always fine. He ha seen many XC wagons of my vintage that go 300,000 miles without any transmission problems, but he has also seen the problem I am now experiencing. There is no rhyme or reason why some cars fail prematurely and others never have a problem (assuming proper maintenance).

Volvo still sells a rebuilt transmission for $3,002.00. Erie Vo-Vo has exactly one transmission for my car that came off a salvage car 4 months ago, with a 135,000 miles. Erie’s price for the transmission delivered is $1,250.00 and comes with a one year warranty. If the transmission fails, Erie will try to find you another. If it can’t, it will refund your purchase price.

Some questions:

1) Does anybody know why only the reverse gear fails on this particular transmission?

2) Since the failure of this particular transmission was not unheard of for the condition described above, did Volvo ever provide extended warranty or provide “Good Will money” to cover the cost of the replacement of this transmission, even if out of warranty?

3) Has anyone else had this transmission problem?

4) I asked my mechanic if he would fix this car. He is a good friend and not just interested in making a buck. He said because my car is mechanically in very good shape and the body and paint are in excellent shape, he would get the transmission fixed. I would like to hear other people’s thoughts. He told me the labor to replace this transmission is 6 hours.

Thanks to all who respond. I have to confess, this is the type of experience, that makes owning a well maintained Volvo frustrating.

Hugh

I didnt read the whole message train, but I've had similar issues with my fleet, and other than solenoid problems, I have had amazing success with a flush with M1 and a new Magnafine. It's worth the $100 in fluid as a try. Walmart cheapest for M1 ATF where I live.
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The Family Fleet '90 745 16v; '90 745 GLE; 96 855T; 99 XC, collectively approaching 900,000mi and going strong.

Hi Hugh,

I think you need to ask yourself a few questions before proceeding. Is your intention to "run the car into the ground"? Are you willing to spend almost $2000 on a 16 year old car with 170k miles? If so, personally, I'd go with the Erie Vo-vo tranny and fix it since your car is still in good shape.

Jim

Hugh,

You got 100K more miles than the average user due to your flushing. Yes, the rear gear always starts slipping first, but that is because of the low gear ratio. The forward gears will be next. I suspect that the fault is not in the tranny body, but the torque converter wearing out.

It is not the number of miles, it is the number of stops and starts.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Given that Reverse gear seems to go first...

When I leave the home garage I back my 2000 V70 up an incline to get to the street. Maybe it's wiser to turn around first and drive forward up the hill?