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Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission

905 messages,  Last post on Jun 12, 2013 at 9:22 AM

You are in the Volvo XC90 Forum.

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

Messages Page 87 of 91

#859 of 905 What do you think? by coopber

Feb 10, 2012 (6:29 pm)

My transmission light came on at 140,000 miles. I have a 2004 XC90. This will be my 3rd transmission. I took it to the certified Volvo service shop that I have been going to for the last 5 years. I was told the codes were for the transmission. I then went to a transmission specialist who thoroughly checked my car and said it was my transmission and everything else on my car was in excellent condition. I took it to Volvo. They said my transmission is fine but I was missing some computer software upgrades. I asked the about the radiator (because of this site). They said they weren't aware of a connection between the radiator and transmission but would look into it. I had also talked to another Volvo service staff at another dealership who told me that I would need another radiator because my radiator wasn't changed with the other two transmissions. The Volvo service dealer called me back and confirmed that my transmission was fine and it was just a computer upgrade but they are going to give me a new radiator for free because they noticed a leak. This is fishy to me. This is the same dealer who didn't want to get me a new transmission 3 years ago because I don't service my car there. What do you think?

#860 of 905 Re: What do you think? [coopber] by oldjim3

Feb 10, 2012 (7:45 pm)

Replying to: coopber (Feb 10, 2012 6:29 pm)
As a XC90 owner who has experienced the loss and replacement of one of these transmissions, I offer the following:
 
The dealers response certainly does sound "fishey" but you have left out some important details that need to be considered in your situation. For example, who replaced the transmission the first two times. If in either case it was not Volvo, I doubt that you have a claim against them.
 
It does sound as if the current dealer is trying to cover his "a**" by replacing the radiator he should have replaced in the first place. The replacement of the radiator is mandatory in the case of 2003-2005 XC90 Defective Transmissions. A failed transmission leaves metallic residue in the transmission cooling system which can only be effectively removed by total replacement of the radiator and associated lines. A failed radiator is very unlikely to cause a Transmission Service Fault Light to be triggered. In my opinion, if the radiator was not replaced in conjunction with your original failure it is likely the reason you have had additional failures, and it is highly likely that you have had another transmission fail.
 
Assuming you have had all the transmission replacements performed by Volvo, I believe you have a very good argument for them to fully take care of you now. Be advised however, that the budget for these "good will" replacements is allocated on a District basis and if your area has had a large number of claims it may take a very strong argument to be successful.
 
You should also be aware that many of the Volvo owners who had this transmission replaced have experienced a significant loss of gas mileage because of the modified shifting pattern. Volvo has revised the software for the new transmission multiple times and each time it appears that the gas mileage has gone down as they attempt to reduce the torque forces on the unit.
 
Good Luck,

#861 of 905 Re: What do you think? [oldjim3] by lemon2004

Feb 10, 2012 (8:45 pm)

Replying to: oldjim3 (Feb 10, 2012 7:45 pm)
Wow I never knew about the gas mileage but it makes sense as my car does not shift like it use to and drives like a tank...I have also noticed the gas consumption is greater than before. I think I'll be getting rid of this car this spring if possible. I feel for all those who have had 2-4 transmissions put in...what a disgrace to Volvo for not recalling it and fixing it properly. Yes the radiator and lines are a must so make sure you ask for it when you have the work done everyone!!!

#862 of 905 My dream car is a nighmare by 2ndtimearound

Feb 20, 2012 (11:48 am)

This is my 4th Volvo, I guess some people never learn. I didn't have any warning lights come on just some slipping. My first tranny was at 48,700 and still under the warranty. After taking it to 2 repair shops, I was told to keep an eye for messages! $400 dollars later I drove the car home. Now it's back at the Volvo shop being diagnosed. We need to start a class action suit in the West coast!! Enough is enough!
DON'T WE HAVE ANY ATTORNEYS OUT THERE? HELP!!

#863 of 905 Happy customer by 2ndtimearound

Feb 29, 2012 (9:25 pm)

I posted a message about my XC90 on 2/20/12 not knowing what the outcome was going to be.
I am happy to report that my Volvo was repaired at Modesto Volvo where it was towed at no cost to me. I was totally ready to fight to the end, but I didn't have to. I am not sure if I am going to keep it, now that I know people are on their 3rd and 4th.

#864 of 905 not so happy after all by 2ndtimearound

Mar 04, 2012 (4:48 pm)

I wrote messages 862 and 863 and now I am waiting to the tow truck to once again pick up my 05 xc90 and tow it to European Volvo in Modesto, CA. Picked up my Volvo Tuesday Feb 28, 2012 and drove it a total of 100 miles. It started howling and not shifting. I turned it off and now it won't run at all. There was no charges to me for the 2nd transmission and everything else they installed but no Warranty either. I am very discouraged and doubt if I buy another Volvo ever.
I will keep everyone informed to the next chapter of the piece of junk I now own.

#865 of 905 Re: Rebuilt Transmission [xc90_2nd_owner] by rcwhite66

Mar 26, 2012 (10:03 pm)

Replying to: xc90_2nd_owner (Jan 05, 2012 12:37 pm)
I too am the second owner of an XC90 T6 who had to have transmission rebuilt 16 months ago at 68,000 miles but radiator was not replaced. Now, at 85,000 miles I am starting to hear knocking sounds. I plan to contact Volvo, North America and make strong case that they need to stand behind their product. Hopefully if enough customers with the same problem come forward, they will need to fix these inferior transmissions.

#866 of 905 Re: Atention! Volvo XC90 transmission failures! [anonymous80] by mattn1

Apr 14, 2012 (1:30 pm)

Replying to: anonymous80 (Jan 31, 2012 5:07 pm)
How did you get Volvo to pay for this??? I am having my done at a local certified mechanic shop b/c the volvo dealership would not pay for it and they wanted to charge about 7K...the other mechanic will charge 4.5K for a rebuilt one...
 
please let me know..
 
thanks
Matt

#867 of 905 Re: Atention! Volvo XC90 transmission failures! [mattn1] by lemon2004

Apr 14, 2012 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: mattn1 (Apr 14, 2012 1:30 pm)
Call Volvo headquarters Canada or North America and tell them your transmission is gone(you'll need to get the mechanic to certify this) It is well documented on her so do your reseached beforhand and you should get parts only in Canada and parts/labour in US. You have to get a case # from headoffice and if you are under 100k miles they will cover it...they should even if you are over cause it is their faulty tranny. Don't get the rebuilt hold off and talk to Volvo and you need to strike a deal if the cover the parts cost with a Volvo dealership...I paid $1500 all in for labour so shop around your area after you get an ok. Soem even include a fre dianostic but I had to pay $2oo fopr them to tell me duh it was fried!!! Good luck and let us know how you made out next week.

#868 of 905 Re: Atention! Volvo XC90 transmission failures! [mattn1] by leelanau7

Apr 14, 2012 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: mattn1 (Apr 14, 2012 1:30 pm)
Hello Matt:
 
Excellent question, and one our dealer didn't even know about. I called Volvo North America's HQ in NJ, who told me that I should ask my dealer to invoke the Volvo Goodwill Assistance Program, which they did. My dealer then communicated with Volvo N.A. with my VIN, and photos of my car, transmission, and serial numbers, all of which were emailed to Volvo N.A.'s regional rep for review; I had a replacement transmission approved within 12hrs, whereby Volvo N.A. paid [$5000] for the new transmission, radiator, and all coolant lines and fluids, while I paid [$2000] for the labor. The new one works exceptionally well, and have had no issues with it incidental to the replacement. If questions, look up Traverse Motors, Inc., (in Traverse City, MI) and ask for the service manager, Todd, who is now familiar with the process. All the best.
 
Phil

Messages Page 87 of 91

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