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Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission

900 messages,  Last post on Feb 24, 2013 at 8:01 AM

You are in the Volvo XC90 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo XC90, Suspension, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 83 of 91

#815 of 900 Re: Need advice on my 2004 XC90 [hoosiervolvo] by goldentix

Dec 02, 2011 (4:42 pm)

Replying to: hoosiervolvo (Dec 02, 2011 4:26 pm)
I don't know if the transmission problem continued to the 2006's----if it did----and I think 2006 was the last year with the problem---the Volvo dealership absolutely fibbed about the transmission problem. I kept mine in perfect maintenance and did every inspection on time and it made no difference---the transmission was misbuilt for the car and maintaining it perfectly had nothing to do with it. Nothing. As stated---I was on my third transmission at 55,000ish miles and I only drove on the streets of LA.

#816 of 900 HELP - Re: sue [janmor2] by brad_g1

Dec 07, 2011 (6:25 pm)

Replying to: janmor2 (Aug 12, 2011 6:23 pm)
Hi Sue, hoping you can help confirming the age of your vehicle. I've just taken by 2004 XC90 T6 to Silverstone Volvo Doncaster (Australia) with 117,000 kms (as requested by Volvo Australia) and I've been told that because of the car's age there is no assistance avaiable.
I've been quoted $6,500 for parts and $1,900 for labour, total cost $8,400. Seems we've got the same mileage car - what year is yours and were there any exceptional circumstances that lead to you just paying for parts?
Any additional information would be a great help. I also called an independent transmission specialist in Melbourne to get a quote and they advised they won't even touch my car, as the XC90 T6 is known for a transmission fail at around 100,000 - 120,000 kms and it is a pain job to fix.

#817 of 900 Re: 2005 Volvo XC90 'Transmission Service Urgent' [littleleydi] by leelanau7

Dec 09, 2011 (1:57 pm)

Replying to: littleleydi (Nov 28, 2011 9:52 pm)
Thanks for your post; it's comforting to know we're not all imagining things. My 2005 Volvo XC90's transmission began malfunctioning this week by not going into 3rd gear. Immediately before this event, there was a sound akin to marbles rolling around in a steel drum coming from just right of amidships in the engine compartment (e.g. from the transmission). Whilst driving at about 25mph the other night, I then heard / felt a slight clunk as the auto-transmission tried to shift into third gear, at which time the red triangle light immediately illuminated on my dashboard, and the data screen read "Transmission Service Urgent"; I drove straight to a local Volvo dealer at morning's first light, where the tech confirmed that the transmission was failing rapidly and needed to be replaced. Later, I took it to an extremely reputable transmission shoppe, who diagnosed the same problem. Here's the deal: Volvo used transmissions made by GM in this vehicle for a short time, including for this model year. The transmission used is very small relative to the tight spacing it was fitted into. As well, its' components are also small relative to the mechanical demands being placed upon it to propel the heavy weight of this vehicle. Add to that the use of lower grade steel to make the gears / rungs of that particular transmission for a short period of time, and, well, a broad incidence of transmission failure was inevitable. Now, reputable shoppes are rebuilding those units with higher grade steel components that are more to the original standards that Volvo was known for (remember, Volvo started out in life in the 1920's as a ball bearing company -- Swedish iron was known as the strongest in the world; even the Latin name 'Volvo' means "I Roll"). Sounds like they found out the 'hard' way that it's best not to compromise, especially in this critical area of performance. Long story short, I worked with the shoppe to do the repair for $4,500US. Since my car has close to 79,000 miles on it, I'll probably have the timing belt changed on general principals, since they have to lift the engine out in order to get at the transmission...seems like a good time to replace the timing belt, as well. That'll cost me extra, but not near as much as I'd have to pay to do that item alone in the future. The good news is that it sounds like the gears produced today to correct the transmission failures (at least the ones I'm getting) are far superior to what was originally installed in the vehicle. I have an excellent dealership here in town who sold me the car who are helping with this problem, but certainly feel for those who do not have such options. Not sure if that helps, but the failure of the original bearings and gears in what may be an under-sized GM transmission being used in our Volvo's appears to be the culprit. Hopefully, the repairs -- backed up by my tech's 2yr / 24,000 mile warranty -- will ensure what is an otherwise great vehicle will safely remain on the road for many more trouble-free years.

#818 of 900 Re: 2005 Volvo XC90 'Transmission Service Urgent' [leelanau7] by lemon2004

Dec 09, 2011 (9:32 pm)

Replying to: leelanau7 (Dec 09, 2011 1:57 pm)
Why are you paying $4500. This is a patent DEFECT and this transmission should not need replacing anywhere near 100K or miles. This is not some CHEAP SUV...it retailed around 60K originally back in 2004-2005. This should be covered by Volvo of North America especially since it is under 1ooKmiles. Even now when you go to sell it it has depreciated so much you'd be lucky to get 10k in the US. The 2004-2005 BMW X5 is still worth around 18-20k in Canada and should be in the same league as the Volvo but this T6 with the faulty tranny is a lemon. Mine still runs like a TANK and I'm afraid it will breeak down at any gien moment. I put new brake in 1 month beore my tranny went and with the value so low I think I will drive it and get some value out of it as my tranny is covered for the next 2 years! You should talk to Volvo head office before happily paying $4500 and the timing belt well they should throw that in for all the hassle. They also change the radiatior etc... as it is thrashed after it explodes on you which mine did without the red light warning. This is unacceptable for safety standards I was looking for in a Volvo and shoul dbe RECALLED but they won't!!! I would NOT pay for the part and get a deal for labout...I paid $1500 tax included and volvo paid for the parts!!! Coquitlam in BC Canada was very friendly and extremly helpful. I know in the US they have covered 100% so check it out!
 
Good luck and keep us posted!

#819 of 900 Re: 2005 Volvo XC90 'Transmission Service Urgent' [lemon2004] by leelanau7

Dec 10, 2011 (11:22 am)

Replying to: lemon2004 (Dec 09, 2011 9:32 pm)
Thanks mate [on the 'Volvo-pays-for-the-replacement-parts' idea]; I'll network with Volvo/NA first thing Monday morning and see if they'll help. If successful, I'll advise here accordingly. All the best ~

#820 of 900 re:XC90 transmission issues by lemon2004

Dec 10, 2011 (12:05 pm)

You have to state your case as the others in this forum have suggested and tell them it is a well known defect& you know that Volvo has done"goodwill" and paid for this faulty tranny to get fixed at their expense on a case by case and since you have low mileage under 100k you should be covered even if you have never serviced with a Volvo dealership it has nothing to do with the fact that this is a ticking time bomb and state that it could have cause a real accident if you stalled in the middle of an intersection like so many others with kids in the back etc...Volvo is suppose to be a safe vehicle and they need to address this tranny problem before someone dies and they know all about it!!! You need to ask for parts & labour because it is a faulty tranny....and see what they come up with on your case. Good luck and state your case!!! I wouldn't say I'd pay for anything and say that Volvo NA has covered many other SUV in full! Canada is only parts worth $5000.

#821 of 900 Re: 2005 Volvo XC90 'Transmission Service Urgent' [lemon2004] by leelanau7

Dec 13, 2011 (6:33 pm)

Replying to: lemon2004 (Dec 09, 2011 9:32 pm)
Well mate, I don't know who you are, but thank you for your kind advice. I did call Volvo North America. Not surprisingly, they were very kind, and very helpful. Seems Volvo has a program available at the dealer level called a "Goodwill Assistance Program." It has to be applied for through individual dealers, and, I assume, would be something available for those whose Volvo's aren't that old, and which are already out of warranty. My 2005 XC90, at just under 79,000 miles qualified. Of note, the kind lady I spoke with at Volvo did indicate that such things are handled on a case-by-case basis. As such, I checked with our authorized Volvo dealer in town, who coordinated compiling all the details for the program requirements (e.g. photgraphing the vehicle, transmission, VIN and transmission serial #'s, and forwarding to Volvo's factory rep). Volvo approved it, and will cover costs for all the parts through their authorized dealer, while my original dealer and I will split the labor cost. I could not be happier -- and this just before Christmas. I do know that we are not only blessed to live in a very beautiful area (Northern MI - USA), but are equally blessed to have some very honest, above board dealers with whom to work; I can't say enough kind words on their behalf. This has really turned out to be a win-win for all concerned...thanks in part to you and your kind suggestion. Again, my humble thanks. Oh yes, and it did come with their traditional factory warranty. All the best, friend.

#822 of 900 Re: 2005 Volvo XC90 'Transmission Service Urgent' [leelanau7] by lemon2004

Dec 13, 2011 (7:02 pm)

Replying to: leelanau7 (Dec 13, 2011 6:33 pm)
Great to hear they were so kind and you were offered the parts and 1/2 labour. It really depends on the "dealership" for a deal on labour! I had mine at a NASTY dealership( 5 min from my house) that would not cut me a break on labour price since I was not a former customer so I called a dealership over 45 min away (had it towed there)who gave me a deal on the labour and could not understand why they would not want the business...they had 5 SUV all getting guess what..new transmissions. So I'm glad you have an honest and generous dealership and my point is for all those out there to shop around and ask for a good break on the labour once Volvo head office says they will give you the part for free which they should if under 100k miles. Have a great Christmas and I'm glad I replied to your email and saved you the $4500++

#823 of 900 Cold Start Noise + Steering Difficulty by sdn2005xc90

Dec 13, 2011 (9:18 pm)

I have 60k miles on my 2005 XC90 V8 and have long had a problem of excessive noise upon a cold weather start of the car. It goes away after warming but this is no light squeak - it is loud and sounds like all internal functions are failing. What's the story here?
 
Separately, intermittently steering becomes difficult esp to one side. Power steering fluid doesn't seem to be the issue. Anyone got any ideas?
 
FYI last service we replaced upper strut mounts and had a 27 point inspection

#824 of 900 Re: 2005 Volvo XC90 'Transmission Service Urgent' [leelanau7] by aalqudwah

Dec 17, 2011 (4:18 pm)

Replying to: leelanau7 (Dec 13, 2011 6:33 pm)
I have a 2005 XC90 T6 and my transmission broke down for the second time at 87000 miles, this time my volvo dealer has agreed to replace my transmission for free (parts and labor) out of good will... since it has less than 100,000 miles, and a 2 year warranty with unlimited mileage. The new transmission is different than the old one, it's louder with less pick up power. I guess this was there fix in order to avoid the continuous breakdown. Bottomline if your car has less than 100,000 miles then you should not pay anything.

Messages Page 83 of 91

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