Hi,
I have a 2005 XC70 with 117,000 miles. We purchased it as a CPO in 2008. Several years ago, around 100,000 miles, I noticed that on occasion if you accelerated on the highway, when the car dropped gears there would be a little shudder before it engaged in the lower gear. It initially had the sensation of that extra torque causing the tires to slip before finally regaining their grip, but I knew that was not likely the case.
After researching on this board I discovered the manufactures recommendation that the transmission fluid didn’t need to be changed wasn’t accurate. I therefore began to perform multiple dump and fills with Mobil 3309 at each oil change until a full case had been changed. The fluid at the first few changes was pretty dark. It would tend to shift a bit smoother after the change, and then I’d return to getting the occasional shudder when downshifting on acceleration, or when going up hills. I’d also get the occasional thunk when coming to a stop.
A few other notes on the car – shortly after we first bought it we’d go through coolant, with no noticeable leak. Brought it to the dealer a couple times – the did nothing the first time, and then the second they said the radiator had some type of internal leak and needed to be replaced. They claimed the car had no warranty, which we told them was BS (still in the CPO period) and they finally conceded it was covered. It was good for several years, and recently I’ve noticed it goes down where the expansion tank needs to be topped off every so often. However recently I’ve noticed a small puddle in the garage under where the expansion tank is, so assume this is more of a traditional leak. One other thing to note, the ABS/Traction control message has been on for some time, typically coming on after driving for a bit, then going off over night. I’m told it needs a new brake control module, and I planned to send it out to be rebuilt.
Yesterday before leaving the house for about an hour drive, I figured I would check the oil and top it off, and do the same with the coolant. Shortly thereafter while going up a hill I experienced the shudder, but much worse, and noticed the Check Engine light flashing during this time. At the top of the hill the Check Engine light went off, but the shudder continued. I’d manually shift the gears but for the most part, the shudder remains to the point where it’s really not drivable. I don’t have tools with me (long screwdriver) to check the fluid while it’s running, but was able to jimmy the dipstick out while its off and see the fluid, dark red/brown covers the word “Cold.” I know checking it cold is pretty useless so will check again hot when I can get the screwdriver and a long shirt.
I was going to drop it off to the independent mechanic tomorrow, but I assume the transmission is shot. Perhaps at some point the coolant leak got into the transmission, or perhaps it was something else. While I tend to keep cars forever, my wife doesn’t think it’s worth it to put $4-5,000 into a new transmission and thinks we should let it go. I just thought I’d ask if any of the things I’ve read about on the board (B4 servo, valve, etc.) are something to check for, or just assume it’s toast.
Thank you very much,
Brian
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