what would you do? (transmision problems)

[techno]

HI all!
first I want to mention this is my first post...
and I should have found this site 2 weeks ago BEFORE buying a XC70 2002 with 200 000 KM (125 000 miles) mileage for 4 250$.
but it's done and I have to live with it!

so 1 week after my aquisition the 3rd gear mess up...

I have 3 options:
-get a new transmission (4000-4500$)
-get a used one (+/- 3500$)
-get this one rebuilt (2500-3500$) with 1 year warranty (parts and labor)

what would you do?

[kamiar]

Hi and welcome aboard,

First let us know what is the diagnosis? any trouble codes? some of these issues are easy to fix like a B4servo etc...

Which garage did you go to in Montreal?

[howardc64]

Could you provide better description on "third gear messed up"? Do you mean it is delays engagement from 2-3 and then engages harshly?

The cheap stuff to try are
- B4 servo replacement
- Lower transmission torque mount replacement if the small bushing is broken
- Fluid flush
- TCM software update
- Transmission shifting program adaptation

After all this, then you are looking at more complex+pricier options

- Valve body replacement. Its a gamble but may pay off. Your mileage may suggest more wear than just the valve body. Valve body is a 10 hour job and shop will charge you 1/2 of the price of installing a rebuilt tranny. But if you can DIY, rebuilt valve body + ATF + reinstall kit is about $700. But it looks pretty involved so you have to be handy around cars.

By the way, there are no new transmissions. They are all rebuilds, even what Volvo dealer installs is a rebuild. I'm guessing the key is to find a shop with good experience on rebuilding these. Besides rebuilding the valve body, I've read internal transmission casing wears that need to be addressed. Read the "Complex Transmission" section of the link provided below (towards the end of the page)

See this link for more info

http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/driveline.htm

[techno]

The 3rd gear is completly dead.

Kamiar: I send it to Swedish Auto. They say I have to change the transmission.
The place were the wil rebuilt it is TransmisionCR.

[kain]

http://volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15297

Read up on that thread. I would check this first.

[MacNoob]

http://volvoxc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15297

Read up on that thread. I would check this first.

That was my first thought. Did the trans die on its own, or did you send it in for a fluid change and it came back with no 3rd gear (because the shop removed the 3rd gear bolt thinking it was a fill plug....)

[techno]

died on its own...

[Xilikon]

Since you're in Montreal, I suggest you go to Garage Blainville for a better check. Their hourly wage is cheap and it's a very well regarded shop.

[Astro14]

Pretty unusual for a car to go from OK on a test drive to 3rd gear completely failed in two weeks, with no other symptoms...

Are you certain that no one added fluid to this trans (and in the process, loosened the B4 anchor bolt that allows 3rd to be engaged...)?

You're absolutely certain?

[Astro14]

HI all!
first I want to mention this is my first post...
and I should have found this site 2 weeks ago BEFORE buying a XC70 2002 with 200 000 KM (125 000 miles) mileage for 4 250$.
but it's done and I have to live with it!

so 1 week after my aquisition the 3rd gear mess up...

I have 3 options:
-get a new transmission (4000-4500$)
-get a used one (+/- 3500$)
-get this one rebuilt (2500-3500$) with 1 year warranty (parts and labor)

what would you do?

I know I already posted...but in the US, even used car dealers have to warranty the car for 30 days (or something like that, varies from state to state)...I am surprised that there is no similar legal recourse in Canada...which would lead to option 4:

Take it back.

Or option 5:

Take the dealer to court.