jerky motion when backing up out of a parking space
I have a 2013 XC70 3.2 FWD with 58,000 miles. I'm the original owner. The car has never had any mechanical issues; the only problems have been a couple of minor interior trim pieces that needed replacement, and the original battery, which needed replacement (under warranty) after just a couple of years. The car is all original/stock except for an IPD rear sway bar. It's been maintained per the schedule, or better, only at the Volvo dealer (including oil changes).
A couple of weeks ago, I started experiencing an odd intermittent driveability problem. It's one of those issues that will be difficult to replicate by the service department, so I want to get some insight and suggestions from the forum before taking it in.
It occurs most often when backing out of a diagonal parking space, while the front wheels are still straight. There is a halting, jerking, mildly rocking sensation that repeats about twice per second for two to four seconds as I back out. The halting/rocking motion has a rubberband-like quality similar to what I used to experience with older FWD cars with manual transmissions when in first or reverse. It happens perhaps 1 in 5 parking space back ups. It also happens occasionally when accelerating gently from a stop in first gear (forward). When it's happened, the car has been at operating temperature, and the ambient temperature has been in the 90 - 100 F range (Texas).
I don't think it's the engine, because there is no change in RPMs or engine sounds. I thought about the front CV joints, but there is no noise from down there, including when making tight turns. Engine mounts: no vibration or noise from the engine bay. No symptoms at all when driving above parking speeds. One possible exception is that I think I've noticed that sometimes downshifts seem to take longer, or there is a slight clunk sound. It's subtle, so it may be my imagination.
The only thing left that I can think of is the Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. Maybe it's starting to slip? The ATF is original. There is no dipstick, and I'm not equipped to check it from below. My driving style is normal, even conservative. There are no burning fluid odors.
Any insights will be appreciated.
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2013 XC70 3.2 FWD 60K miles
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