Solenoid Transmission Failure therefore REPLACE!!!

2000 XC70 auto transmission must be replaced now because a shift solenoid failed @ 80,000 miles

Dealer tells me that Volvo provides no spare parts or tech training to repair transmissions due to safety concerns.

Basically, any minor internal component fails inside your transmission, and you have to replace the whole thing.

If this were a complicated assembly of parts selling for $300 - I could understand, but replacing a $2000 transmission for a solenoid failure is like replacing an engine because a solenoid failed.

Am I a dinosaur geezer to think this way?

Reply to
squirrely
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No. Take your car to an auto tranny specialist for repair.

Reply to
Mr. Slow

My dealer reports that Volvo doesn't make this solenoid part available for repairs, and neither do aftermarket providers.

Checked some of the internet part dealers, and not much there.

So IF parts aren't available, how does the tranny specialist make the fix?

Reply to
squirrely

It's quite common for internal transmission parts to not be available, though it certainly shouldn't have failed at such low mileage. Does anyone know exactly how it has failed? It may be possible to fix the solenoid if you can get to it, usually solenoids either bind mechanically or a wire breaks off.

Reply to
James Sweet

I had exactly this problem about two months ago (see board archive), failed "B" solenoid valve on my '96 850 w/63kMiles. The car would work fine for a couple of days and then (usually on aceleration) the "check engine" light would come on, along with the flashing up-arrow light. The first couple of times, I just cleared the code and everything went back to normal for a few days. I found I could make it happen within a mile or two by switching into "Sport" mode. My mechanic sent me to a tranny shop who said they couldn't touch it because their computer couldn't talk to the Volvo and sent me to the dealer. The dealer declared I need a new transmission, for $3200.

Naturally, I didn't want to spend $3200 to fix a car worth not much more than that. Also, I figured that it's not completely failed, since sometimes it works. It's probably not a wiring problem, since it seems to be associated with acceleratation but maybe it's just bits or guck in the fluid making the solenoid stick. I declined the dealer's kind offer and instead asked them to power-flush the tranny. It's now been about two months and I have not had a transmission solenoid error since then.

However, my mileage sucks (about 15 mpg city). My mechanic did a tune-up with new plugs, cap 'n rotor, fuel filter, and air filter, but it didn't help. I can't take it back to the dealer now because they've got me marked for a $3200 tranny. I've got another occasional check engine light, this one's "Secondary Air Injection System Malfunction." The SAS pump seems to run o.k. but the valve's a bit rattly. Could this be my problem or is it the tranny?

What a piece of crap this 850 is.

Reply to
Robert Lutwak

Find a way to contact Volvo North America and ask them if the tranny needs replacement for a solenoid failure as the dealership indicates. Name names.

Sounds like the mechanics are working on a commission bases and needs some extra Xmas cash. Ask for a written quote stating the trans needs replacement due to a non availability of parts. This puts the dealership on the spot to then back up what is in writing if a problem arises later ( or someone pushes the issue in court). It is impossible to explain in court why something is different than what you wrote.

Stay away from Nation wide Trans shops and at this point even the dealership if they change their tune. Take your business elsewhere and let your giving dollars to someone else instead of the dealership talk loudly. Also let Volvo NA know that you are dis-satisfied with the dealer.

Search for an independent Vovlo mechanic in your area or a reputable local trans specialist. One indicator of a good trans mechanic is the shop is really clean. Almost tot he point you question that they have any business at all. Dirt and automatic transmissions is trouble compounded.

All parts are not made by the auto company themselves. They contract with other companies to have them made for them. I'm not familiar with the 70XC series, but Borg-Warner(sp?) and its Eastern arm Asian-Warner(sp?) provided trans for all the Volvos with a 200,700, 850, and 900 designation. The same Asian-Warner in my 245 also was used in a lot of Toyotas with a different bell housing. I can get parts from about nine different places, including the Toyota dealership if necessary.

After market parts are available through specialty providers. The independent mechanic does not necessarily have to go through the dealer. And a dealership is not going to be able to BS someone who knows about transmissions.

Duane

Reply to
Duane

The solenoilds are replacable and the Valve body is replacable on all P2 platform Volvo's. What is the problem with the transmission? There is an updated valve body for some models because trash can build up at the solenoid orfice area and interfere with proper oil flow. I have known of some transmission valve bodies and/or solenoids that have been replaced and it did not help the shifting or driving problem. The only fix was replace the complete transmission. Not knowing all the codes, shift issues and why the dealership wants to replace the transmission it is impossible to guess the correct answer.

BD

Reply to
Big Dick

The only symptom of any SAS related code will be the check engine light. All that system does is inject air into the exhaust when the engine is cold to assist oxidation of the rich mixture present after cold start. This assists in reducing pollution, and promoting the heating of the catalyst, which also reduces pollution. You may also notice the air pump working for a few seconds when the engine is idling after warmup - this is the computer checking the SAS system.

Reply to
Mike F

My guess is that your SAS malfunction is caused by the pump itself or a leak somewhere or a bad oxygen sensor.

My 97 850GLT hasn't been exactly dazzling in its reliability, but it's been behaving much better since they replaced the engine computer.

Reply to
L David Matheny

Wife was driving it, Arrow flashing Check engine light on

Limp mode

Error Code was TCM 000C Shift Solenoid S-2 Hydraulic Fault

Reply to
squirrely

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