AW42 transmission rebuild info

Please, correct me if the information I've gathered is wrong, but came across several forums stating the AW42 transmissions had to be replaced, no rebuild kits are offered, no shops will touch them, etc. Two members (can't remember their usernames) stated theirs were rebuilt. One stated his father did it, and another stated a local big name trans shop did his. No specifics were given. I've tried to find info on the AW42 and it is pretty much non-existent. Downloaded the Alto PDF Catalog, nothing for the AW42, but there were FWD AW50-42 kits, did some more searching and came across this , and ultimately to this list of all Volvo transmissions. Scrolled down and found this:

Transmission name: AW42

Type: 4 speed automatic
Manufacturer: Aisin-Warner (Japan)
Gear ratios: (1) 3.61:1 (2) 2.06:1 (3) 1.37:1 (4) 0.98:1
Notes: Transaxle for FWD, with overdrive and lockup torque converter. [GRIMSHAW96], [GRIMSHAW99] [VOLVO]
Cars that use this transmission: (1993 850 GLT) (1994 850 Base) (1994 850 Turbo) (1995 850 Base/GLT) (1995 850 GLE) (1995 850 T-5R) (1995 850 Turbo) (1996 850 Base/GLT) (1996 850 GLE) (1996 850 R) (1996 850 Turbo) (1997 850 Base) (1997 850 GLT) (1997 850 R (Can)) (1997 850 R (US)) (1997 850 T-5) (1998 C70 HPT) (1998 C70 LPT) (1998 S70/V70 Base) (1998 S70/V70 GL (USA)) (1998 S70/V70 GLT) (1998 S70/V70 T-5) (1998 V70 AWD) (1998 V70 R AWD) (1998 V70 XC AWD) (1999 C70 HPT) (1999 C70 LPT) (1999 S70/V70 AWD) (1999 S70/V70 Base) (1999 S70/V70 GLT) (1999 S70/V70 T-5) (1999 V70 R AWD) (1999 V70 XC AWD) (2000 C70 HPT) (2000 C70 LPT) (2000 S40/V40 1.9T) (2000 S70 AWD) (2000 S70 T-5) (2000 S70/V70 GLT) (2000 V70 R AWD) (2000 V70 XC AWD)



All those model years above are listed as AW50-42 in the rebuild kits (or anything else you look up pertaining to the car). So this tells me they are the same internally. There are some differences when looking up rebuild kits like pre-98 and post-98, but that's the only hick-up I see so far. If this info is correct, all that would be needed is a short discussion with the trans shop to accurately explain what their dealing with.


Comments, criticism, corrections, and discussion?

Pretty much all the same year to year except for the solenoids

Found parts source for AW50-42 transmission; MAKCO, in Florida, I believe. I had huge problem finding a trans shop here in Detroit area who would even touch my 2000V70XC. Ended up swapping for low mileage used trans with 6 month replacement guarantee. 7 mos. later, trans still OK, but electrical problems, (codes, codes, codes!), up the wazoo. "Flashing arrow", "ABS", "TRAC" lights on, trans goes into "limp mode" then all disappears and everything works normal. Vehicle speed sensor was NOT the culprit. I suspect either; ABS module, harness to ABS module, ECU, ($$$$$!). Also having problems with ign. lock cylinder, now out for repair, that MAY be cause, (ign. switch not in correct position), not sure yet.

This is so stupid.
EVERY transmission shop around here can and will rebuild a 4 speed, nothing mysterious about them.
If you were talking about a 5 speed then I would agree, but the 4 speeds are not too hard to rebuild at all

Sorry, JRL, but not so here in Detroit area. Even went to local Toyota dealer, (Many Toyotas use same transmission), who said, "Nope, We don't fix 'em. Only R&R re-man. units from Toyota. On used cars, (Toyota), with trans failure, we just replace 'em with a used unit from the salvage yard with a 6 month replacement guarantee." I spoke with at least a dozen trans shops in person around here and an equal number on the phone and only 2 skeezy looking places with hayseed mechanics would do the job. I wouldn't let either one of 'em work on my car. Of the more professional, reputable shops, all cited past bad experiences with Volvo or difficulty sourcing parts. When I gave them info from Makco in Florida on parts availability and prices for parts, they still were reluctant. One national chain trans shop said "Sure, we can do that", price quoted was $4700! which meant, "We'll price it so high, he'll keep walking"
Neighbor had similar problem with Jaguar transmission, ended up paying dealer $6200.
The thing is, if money is no object, of course I can find a shop to do this. I just don't have the money or the desire to put a four thousand dollar transmission in a $2500 car, so I went with a $550, used, 80,000 mile trans with a 6 moth replacement guarantee and a decent installer for $550.
6 months and 7,000 miles later, So far, so good!
Problem now is ABS module; every day, a new challenge!

When all rebuild parts, in every catalog, are listed as AW50-42LE, as apposed to the XC transmissions AW42 nomenclature, it's relevant information. Do a google search for "AW42 rebuild" or "AW42 transmission parts/bands/etc" and see what usable information comes up. I have the driveshaft disconnected, and soon to be deleted angle gear, essentially a FWD car. Knowing what the parts cost, and moreover what rebuilds cost for other makes/models with the same transmission, gives you a huge leg up when inquiring with a transmission shop that gives you an outrageous quote.

Only source of trans parts found was "MAKCO" in Florida. Ended up putting good used 80k trans in, now 10k miles later, still crossing fingers. Would NEVER buy one of these cars again with trans issues. Word is 2001 on with 5 speed are even worse! More expensive, too! Like the car, would maybe buy another if price was right, but next one will DEFINITELY be a MANUAL TRANS!!!