Delayed and Harsh trans Engagement when selecting "D"

**PV544** · 08-10-2012, 05:07 AM

Frequently, if my 2002 V70XC has sat overnight or several hours during the day, I will notice that there's a lag in engaging drive (seems like a number of seconds passes) and usually accompanying this, is an abrupt (not violent but lurching) engagement. This condition does not appear when reversing. Once through this initial affect, the car will behave in a normal manner.

**XC70XC** · 08-10-2012, 05:46 AM

Sounds like your valve body is on its way out. It is causing slippages when shifting from P/R to D. I have similar experience with mine and it was fixed with the redesigned valve body that was fitted to MY2003 cars onwards. Luckily the extended warranty took care most of the transmission work.

**Astro14** · 08-10-2012, 07:45 AM

What's the fluid level in the trans? How does the fluid look? I would try a flush if it's been a while...

**JRL** · 08-10-2012, 07:59 AM

Need your mileage
First thing to do is put in clean fluid.
Mileage dictates whether you do a full flush or a series of drain and fills, then have the adaptions reset (at Volvo)

**PV544** · 08-10-2012, 09:08 AM

175632 Miles on the odometer. I should add that I am unaware of any maintenance regimes since the car has only been in my possession for less than 5000 miles. I am unaware of what the fluid appears like or what the level is (and yes, I'm embarrassed) as I've not learned an uncomplicated way to learn this status. I want to change the fluid as a matter of sensible maintenance but am only sort-of clear on how to proceed. Believe I've seen discussions on the forum about this or how-to's in the resource section. I figure I either get the fluid change tool from someone like IpD or stumble upon a similar means to do the same thing. Thank you, folks, for your responses.

**JRL** · 08-10-2012, 09:15 AM

Pull the dipstick and LOOK at it
It's under the air intake pipe, either remove it or push it away with one hand and pull the dipstick with the other hand
Regardless, do a series of three (3) drain and fills with 3309 fluid do not power flush it, too many miles on it.
(do some searching here on the fluid)

**PV544** · 08-10-2012, 10:50 AM

Seems like common sense JRL, to look at the dipstick. I've looked for it and never have found it, even where you are leading me, and the owner's manual doesn't admit to there being one as well, as far as I can tell. I have seen trans dipsticks on a neighbor's 2004 (mine's a 2002). Am I blind? I feel foolish enough here on this topic and I'm grateful for the attention provided me on this topic but really, have looked for this on a couple different occasions in recent history. I would think I'd have been able to lay eyes on it under the intake pipe...but no joy so far. Everyone's replies most appreciated.

**Astro14** · 08-10-2012, 12:01 PM

It's not easy to find down there...it's got a yellow head, about the size of a nickel...it's located on the trans, between the pan (black) and the engine block.

Go to the resources section. Look at the valve body replacment notes: http://www.volvoxc.com/resources/how...ment-Notes.pdf

On page 10, there is a picture of the front of the trans with the airbox removed...on the left, you'll see the dipstick head...on page 14, you'll see a close-up of the body...and to the left is the dipstick...

**KevinR** · 08-10-2012, 12:15 PM

The 2002 V70 XC I bought about 1200 miles ago does the same thing. I have 115,500 on the car; the transmission fluid is to the correct level and it appears to be fairly fresh (still a nice red color). However, since I am unaware of any method to determine if it is the correct type of fluid (Mobil 3309, etc...), I plan on doing the series of draining and refilling.

I have already replaced the upper motor mount and the lower transmission torque mount which made the lurch seem less severe, but it is still there.

Also, my car's transmission falls into the range where it can be affected by the faulty B4 servo cover. Again, since I don't know if it has been replaced in the past, I plan on doing that as well.

If the above things don't do the trick, I'll be looking for more suggestions. Otherwise, I guess I'll be looking into a valve body replacement.

**PV544** · 08-10-2012, 12:42 PM

Thanks Astro14. Despite feeling as if I've mislead myself, I'm absolutely going to dig into it again this evening or tomorrow when I can lay hands on the car. Presently my bride is using the car for the day. I will report back on my findings, even if it increases the egg-on-face factor. I'd sure love to resolve this issue which has certainly bugged me for the half-or-so year I've owned the car.