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Volvo XC90 T6 Transmission

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Comments

  • lindsaynlindsayn Member Posts: 1
    Hi-I am new to the board as well. I purchased a 2005 T6 a month ago. Yesterday the "Transmission Service-Urgent" message appeared. I had it towed to a dealer. He told me that there is a round ball in the left front axle that has disintegrated and that axle fluid is leaking into the transmission. At this point, he is uncertain whether or not the entire transmission needs to be repaired. He is starting with the front axle and flushing the transmission fluid. He contacted a regional Volvo contact who agreed to pay for the parts ($850). We are stuck with the labor (also $850). He also told me that this may not fix the problem and that the transmission might still need to be replaced. He said that this is tied to the larger T6 transmission issues. Has anyone had luck getting Volvo to pay for labor on a repair like this? If so, what did you do? Thanks very much. It has been very discouraging to have just purchased this car and then to be stuck with all of these problems.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Well I towed it to the dealership yesterday. I was told by both Volvo North America & the dealership that there ould be no way they would do anything$$$ until it was diagnosed by them ($240.00 to find out what we all, already know). I will have an answer in a couple of days.

    Thanks to all for the continued support we are giving each other. I will also be contacting the law firm who may be putting togehter the class action.....

    VeroT6
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    Feel free to use any of the techniques that I used as well. If the dealership starts pushing on you, push right back and let them know you who you are complaining to and that you won't let up. You shouldn't have to pay for this, not even the diagnosis!

    Lisa
  • MilosantaMilosanta Member Posts: 8
    The XC 90 is a great car, but heed the advise of buy a 206 or later model. I posted on here back in November of 2008, when I had to put my second tranny in the car. The first one went our at 61000, and at that time I was told by the mechanic that is was a design flaw in the car. The T6 (which is the turbo) engine puts to much torque on the tranny, which is a GM product and only a 4 speed. At the 67,000 mark I had to put in the second tranny. Now I was luck b/c my car was still under warranty. This time I was told that the first tranny, which was put in by a Volvo dealership, was done incorrectly. When they put the new tranny in they are suppose to change out the radiator coolant hose also, b/c metal shavings can get in there and the tranny is cooled by this. The service I got at both locations was exceptional, but the car is flawed and there is really nothing that can be done to fix it except keep putting in trannys. I also wrote to Volvo corporate who contacted me but gave me no satisfaction. I also lodged a complaint with the NTSB. So bottom line don't buy a XC90 T6 and you will be ok. Good luck.

    Mike
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Lisa, looks like they (the dealership) that I will need to pay an additional $560 to drop the transmission pan & cut the filter to see whats happening inside. That makes $800 in less than 24 hrs. for "diagnostics" which Volvo N.A. Rep told the dealer that is my responsibility to pay for & find out what is wrong - we all know what is wrong...

    The rep also said that since I was not a "Volvo Customer" (bought the car used from third party) had not ever been in a dealership for service (I am not the original owner & it appears to me that at first reason since I bought the car that I have had, I am "in for service" right now).

    That I was probably not a good candidate for any "Good Will" from Volvo. The service manager told me himself that this is what Volvo Rep told him, the service manager do say on his own that he felt 90% sure that they would help in some way but I would need to commit to paying for the additional diagnostics. I refused.

    He explained that i really had only two choices, pay or pick up my car & have someone else repair it with no chance of any Volvo $upport!

    So hypothetically at the end of the day $800 spent & I still would'nt know if they would help me. My fear is I agree to the extra $$, they break it down & say "yep your going to need a transmission" & "that will cost $6,000 but Volvo will split it with you".

    Now I would be out close to $4,000 & have another "factory transmission" . . . . . .

    My local Sweedish mechanic has a newly rebuilt - improved trany in a crate at his shop with 2yr. unlimited mile warranty waiting to put it in for $5,000 he will also take care of the rear main seal while he's got it out (says around 100k miles it needs to be done anyway)

    I am now close to three weeks with out a car & not close to having a warm fuzzy about Volvo's help. How loud do I need to get & in whose direction to I need to be yelling? The dealer is just in the middle but Volvo N.A. says nothing happening unless I play their game.

    I am almost ready to throw in the towel :cry:
  • jld6jld6 Member Posts: 1
    Count me in. Just happened to me on mine. Was talking to my boss Friday who has the identical car and happened to him a week ago. Took his to the dealer, raised hell, pointed out all these posts and internet press on unacceptable transmission failures. He was able to get paid by local Volvo or someone so he faed no expense. The precedence is out there for local Volvo dealer or customer service to pay so they cannot use that excuse. I am starting process now. I will keep you all posted. I am in if there is a class action!!!
  • mancejmancej Member Posts: 1
    I'm in:
    2004 VOLVO XC90
    1. Since day 1, the transmission on my 2004 Volvo-XC90 has been acting weird, it doesn't engage trough gear as quickly as it should. On May 25th 2009, the transmission completely went out leaving me in the middle of the intersection with cars behind me traveling 35 miles and almost caused an accident. The car has been sitting since then.
    2. The transmission has never operated properly since I purchased the car in April of 2009.
    3. I do not have an extended warranty and so the car waiting now for repair.
    The shop and every other one I called knew exactly what the problem was.
    They said that the transmission in this model and year was a faulty GM transmission and have seen many in for this type of service.
    I did some research on the Internet and found that many owners have experienced the same problem, the exact problem.
    I bought my car with 112,000 miles on it and some of the complaints I found on the Internet reported were as low as 20,000 miles.
    I bought it from AutoWest Acura in San Jose, I ask them for help with that matter, (4 times) they were evasive and refused to help, or to get to any arrangement.
    The "transmission service urgent" light came on. Took the car to the dealer and they said I need a new transmission. There seems to be a large number of these same complaints for this same car from Volvo.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Her is my e-mail that I sent yesterday to the attorney that is possibly interested in the "class action suit" against Volvo. Somebody who meets his criteria (I know there are many of you out there) get in touch with him & see if we can get this thing going.

    ORIGINAL MESSAGE & REPLY BELOW
    Good morning Mr. Green,

    "I understand you are possibly forming a case to file a suit against Volvo North America regarding the many defective transmissions in the XC90. T6.

    I'm currently battling with Volvo to repair/replace mine. My situation is exactly like that of all the others who have posted on the forum www.edmonds.com

    Would having my transmission fixed on my own preclude me from being eligible to participate in a class action suit should there be one?

    I have been documenting all things as I go along.

    Please advise & also tell me what the next steps would or could be from you in a law suit of this nature."

    Respectfully requesting your guidance,

    Dave Morby
    Vero Beach, FL

    RESPONSE
    "We would consider filing suit on behalf of someone whose transmission failed during warranty. I don't know if that includes your or not. In any event, paying for the repairs yourself would not preclude you from participating in a class action. You would want the shop to preserve any evidence, though."

    Robert Green
  • sahughessahughes Member Posts: 5
    Just found out that my dealer will not have the transmission in until July 10th -- I can't complain though, in addition to paying for the new transmission, Volvo is paying for a rental car -- which I will probably have for at least 5-6 weeks.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    sorry if your repeating this info but did you buy new, used from the dealer or third party.... whats been your history/relationship with your local Volvo dealership? is this your first transmission, what year is the car, who made the ultimate decision to pay for your transmission...Volvo North America, Volvo Area Rep or the dealership? any warranty on your car, how many miles......

    I'm very curious as the area rep, local service manager & Volvo N.A. say that until I have to prove (pay $$$ for all the diagnostics) that its a defective transmission before they will even consider if I qualify as a "good will" candidate. No offering of anything at this point.

    I'm starting to feel like a broken record, round & round & round again......

    verot6
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    HI,

    I bought mine used from a wholesaler in March 2008 with 59k miles on it. From what my wholesaler told me there was no record of a transmission failure prior to them purchasing it at auction. They are the ones who took the car to the Volvo dealer for me, I wasn't involved. So, whether the good will was for them or me, I'm not sure. When the transmission went, I was out of my 60 day used car warranty and had like 71k miles on it at the time it was replaced. But I did file complaints with:
    1. Attorney General for the state
    2. Consumer Protection
    3. Volvo contact us on line
    4. NTSB

    And spoke to an attorney. The car was gone six weeks, but I didn't pay anything. But I did let my wholesale place know I was going to make a stink with Volvo, and I even worked at a volvo dealership locally when I was a teenager. I doubt that made a difference. My wholesaler had done a transmission fluid flush/change in December 2008, and within a month I had problems. They recommended I do a transmission upgrade which I told them was just plain bull -I know cars better than that. They said they would see what they could do with Gengras Volvo in CT and the rest is history......

    Lisa
  • sahughessahughes Member Posts: 5
    I bought mine used 4 months ago from a non-volvo dealer. It had slightly over 50K miles. Now it has 55K when the transmission went out last week, It was towed to our local Volvo dealer -- I had never been there before. They diagnosed the transmission and after 2 phone calls to me (I informed them I was aware of the transmission issue from info. I receievd on this blog) the service rep called me and said Volvo would pay 100%. I will have to pay nothing -- and Volvo is paying my rental car.
  • buffdriver1buffdriver1 Member Posts: 2
    As I was watching the Stanley cup playoff's last night my phone rang. On the other end was my beautiful wife. In a concerned voice I heard, "Honey, what does a Transmission Urgent light mean?" After a couple google hits and an hour or so reading I do believe I can be part of the club.

    We purchased an 05' xc90, used-with warranty, from a dealer in CO. Currently has 63k miles. We now are in Northern ND, 16 hrs away from the dealership we purchased it from, 8 hrs from the closest dealership in Minneapolis. This should be fun. ~sigh~

    I will follow some of the advice here and let you know how things progress.

    BuffDriver1
  • buffdriver1buffdriver1 Member Posts: 2
    Dave,

    Do you have any contact info for Mr. Green?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Incidentally, contact information should be shared by email rather than by posting in the Forums. Thought you'd like to know. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • VolvoAdvocateVolvoAdvocate Member Posts: 4
    My wife had her '03 T6 transmission replaced 4 mos. ago at 73k miles by Volvo (at their cost after major correspondance with corporate). She now says the car has less power then before, especially climbing hills. I checked with the dealer to see ifthey did something to reprogram the transmission to put less pressure (upshift earler?) on it, and they told me "the automatic transmission computer learns from your driving, and sets the shifting based on this. We do reset the computer when we replace teh transmission but it should have re-learned by now and have some power." Anyone else having similar problems or know more about this issue?

    Thanks.
  • bigfred2bigfred2 Member Posts: 2
    My 04 T6 tranny just failed. At 60 K it began slipping when cold, only for about 50' then grabbed and drove fine. 3k later, I got the dreaded "SERVICE TRANSMISSION URGENT" and the tranny would lock up in 4th gear (limp home mode). When I took it in to a reputable Volvo dealer, I explained to them I was aware of the T6 Tranny issue. After their standard diagnosis, it was indeed bad. Volvo replaced it 100% free of charge!!...BUT... you must push a bit!! Here's what you need to do for this to happen.....
    If you get a bad tranny diagnosis, inform the service manager that you are aware of the problems with this tranny and that you want him to call Volvo and ask for help.
    ALSO...tell them how much you love the car and other than the POS GM crappy tranny, you would get another. Also say this if the Volvo rep calls you...rare but they do on occasion.
    Contrary to what they may say, Volvo IS aware of the problem and they will replace the radiator and cooling lines also to get the metal shavings out of the system. This is why there were faster failures with the first replacements.
    There are TWO major failure points....one being the tranny just bites it, the other is the cooler leaks radiator fluid (glycol) into the tranny and kills it.

    You may want to consider NOT touching the tranny!! Volvo recommends NOT doing anything to that tranny whatsoever! If you take it in for a bad tranny, and they find you have had the fluid changed or flushed, they may not help you out! There have been cases where trannys failed shortly after a "flush". A flush will stirr up all the crud from the bottom of the pan and it will get into the parts and fail faster! (their theory) Mine had NEVER been touched!

    If changing the fluid helps, or running synthetic in it, I would think Volvo would have caught on by now so they don't have to keep changing them for free! These tranny's are not failing due to normal wear and tear, they are CRAP and just go all at once! When mine gets back in the garage, I will keep it for a year or two and trade it in on a new V8 XC90! More power, no turbos, no GM CRAP parts!
    T6....Car good.....tranny CRAP!
    The service mgr also told me that aftermarket service companies that sell extended warranty's will NOT use Volvo's replacement units, but their own rebuilds with unlimited lifetime warranty!! Unfortunately, they will not pay to have the cooling system replaced, so all the crud gets siphoned back into the new tranny! Their loss! I also read somewhere that a major tranny rebuilding company has changed some rebuild paramaters on these that supposedly fixes the problem.
    I'm wondering....what GM car uses this tranny and does it have a high failure rate also? Some blame the T6's power on the failure, but the T6 doesn't have that much torque, so I don't buy that. Could be I'm just used to my other two cars, both pushing 400hp and close to 500 ftlb of torque!! That will break stuff!
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    Bigfred2,

    It's that the low torque for the engine being a turbo, that this GM tranny can't hold up against it. I heard these tranny's were used in thousand of GM cars and rarely had failures, but none of them were turbo's -that I heard from my shop. Then again, some of the stuff they are telling all of us could be b.s.-we don't really know. We have to take their word on some things until they tell us or we find out other ways.

    Interesting comment about the tranny flush. I have an 05 T6 had the fluid replaced in December 08, tranny started letting go late Jan 09 and then finally in Feb 09-But I worked at a Volvo dealer in my late teens/early twenties and that is routine service for the 60k-so why they are telling you not too is a mystery.

    Great info...lets keep each other in the loop!!!!

    Lisa
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Yes I do & I have contacted Mr. Green via e-mail already. I think someone who has experienced this problem while the car was still under a "factory warranty" is where Mr. Green wants to start to build the case. At least that was the impression I received.

    www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volvo/xc90 where you will find a post on car survey dated Feb. 27, 09. that has Mr. Green's info.

    I now have my car at the local shop getting my new transmission installed. I have seen the new tranny & the casing is stamped "Volvo" so I have faith its the real McCoy. The aftermarket rebuild company has identified the weakness & corrected them (hopefully).

    I decided to pull my car from the dealership for several reasons. The service manager was playing dumb about the T6 problem & insisted I would have to pay for all diagnostics to prove the tranny was bad (they already new it was bad from the first diagnostics- $240 but wanted to proceed with a secondary test - pulling the pan & cutting the filter - $560)

    I actually spoke with the Volvo Regional Manager ("the decision maker" according to Volvo corporate) who pushed the same about the diagnostics. He would not commit to anything until I was willing to come out of pocket $800 total (which I understand the dealer collects because they put out for the labor costs & corporate has'nt got anything to say about that)

    The Service Manager & the Regional Rep. also had their stories crossed - The SM told the Reg. Rep that they wanted to "Flush & replace the filter" & added that they were going to charge me $25 a qt. for the new fluid & that was why the cost was so high....

    Also the Reg. Rep went on to BS me that they have had cases like this where they flushed, replaced the filter & a solinoid or two & the transmission worked fine.

    Bottom line for me was that it seemed no matter how hard I pushed (I filed all the complaints with all the right people) It was still going to cost me $800 up front. I had already paid $101 for diagnosis from another shop, gotten a second opinion for free from yet another shop (the one where my car is now) & then a third from a Volvo dealership plus many hours of my time. All confirming the same. But Volvo corporate was still in no way giving me any signs of hope.

    It appears that the regional reps. try to be very subjective to your Volvo Commitment & base their decision on that (your allegiance to Volvo) & then & only then will you find out if you are one of the lucky ones to receive what they deem as "good will" towards a new transmission.

    I am fed up with Volvo period. I hope there are many others out there that feel the same. I would like to know how many of us out there were TURNED AWAY by Volvo? How many "out of warranty" were replaced by Volvo @ No Charge? How many have taken it to their own shop for repairs? How many are willing to contact Mr. Green (class action attorney)

    Enough is enough. Volvo should send out a mass recall of all XC90 T6's transmissions. Those of us who did'nt get a "Free" transmission & have out of pocket expenses should be reimbursed.

    :mad:
  • shlimpshlimp Member Posts: 1
    AT 77,000 miles our check transmission light came on. We took it to our normal mechanic since we do not have a Volvo Dealer in Corpus Christi, TX. He Said the transmission is bad. I took it home and found this web discussion. I contacted Laws65 ( Lisa) and she told me the process to get it fixed. I wrote to the Volvo corporate on line and they said it has to be diagnosed by a Volvo Dealer. I have three choices Austin, San Antonio, or McAllen, TX. I chose to drive it 150 miles with a bad transmission to McAllen. (I had alot of people on ready for my call when the car broke down) I made it to MCAllen. It took them a day to diagnose the problem. BAD TRANSMISSION. I told them that I did not have $7,000 dollars to pay. So, I drove it back to Corpus to sit in the garage for a long time. Then I wrote corporate again. They talked to McAllen Volvo and they said that they they would fix it 100% no charge. Bring it in they said. So I did It took them 2 weeks to get the transmission and fix the car. We got it back on monday and it is running fine so far.

    The process is have your car checked by a volvo dealer and then write corporate they will contact your dealer and then call you back. The whole process took 4 weeks to have a new transmission with a 1 year warranty.

    Allen

    By the way thanks Lisa it worked out good for me!!!!!
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    Yea!!!!! Great job! I like to make sure when something like this happens that corporations know how serious I am and I'm glad it worked out for all of us thus far. My only concern going forward is what happens after the one year warranty.... but one step at a time!
    Congrats, great job!!!!

    Lisa
  • MilosantaMilosanta Member Posts: 8
    What is the contact information for the attorney, Mr. Green. I have replaced 2 transmission in my 90. Fortunately mine was still under warranty. Thanks.

    Mike
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    You should get this infor from the following link below. Due to the fact that Edmunds doesnt allow the exchange of e-mail addresss on this forum. If that doesnt work try me back.

    VeroT6

    www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volvo/xc90 where you will find a post on car survey dated Feb. 27, 09. that has Mr. Green's info.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volvo/xc90/r69842/comments/page-11/

    sorry. here is the full link to that info for Mr. Green
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    You can mark your email address public in your Profile and other members will be able to contact you that way.
  • jpgardellajpgardella Member Posts: 7
    Just got the dreaded 'Transmission Service Urgent' message at 117k on my '04 XC90. Can you provide the web link to the Volvo corporate office that you dealt with.
  • MilosantaMilosanta Member Posts: 8
    I used the link that you gave me but could not find that post. It is very likely user error on my part. If you have a web site for the attorney or email please pass that on if you can. Thanks.
    Mike
  • mollywmmollywm Member Posts: 7
    http://www.volvocars.com/us/footer/contact/Pages/default.aspx

    On the page above you will see a place for existing volvo customers. That will lead you to the link.

    You might also want to contact the NTSB. Their is a form on their web site and your state's attorney general. I did all of the above.

    good luck.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Milosanta,

    try this link again. Just click on it & scroll down to Feb. 27th. Mr. Green's contact information is all there. If it doesnt work for you. E-mail me. You can do that by clicking on my Edmunds.com profile. My e-mail is public.

    http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/volvo/xc90/r69842/comments/page-11/
  • ewflavaewflava Member Posts: 1
    I,m new to the board. I was searching the web for something to help me with my 2004 XC90 T6 recent transmission problems and I came across this discussion. My trans just started slipping but does'nt do it all the time my treansmission service urgent light and check engine light just came on I have 78,000 miles on it and know how much a trans can cost. i have read a number of cases corncerning this and wanted to know if anyone had some advice. what is the process that is needed to go through to get this problem fixed it seems to be more than just me and a handfull of people. please send me an email
  • MilosantaMilosanta Member Posts: 8
    Thanks. I will go to it as soon as I can. I have contacted NTSB and submitted a complaint back in Nov 2008. I haven't heard anything from them.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    please send me an email

    Please note that people routinely ignore questions accompanied by a request to take the discussion offline. Doing so would deprive others of valuable information and tends to defeat the purpose of a Forum. Our members prefer to share information openly.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • jpgardellajpgardella Member Posts: 7
    Volvo corporate pointed me to the dealer, the dealer said I could bring it in for diagnosis ($95) was said it was unlikely Volvo would do anything with the car at 117k miles. I decided to cut my loses with volvo and go to a local transmission shop for rebuild. :(
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    So, if you need to email me directly, based on the Host's comment above, it should be fine to email me going forward.
    Thanks

    Lisa
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Picking up my T6 today from local repair shop. Gonna be better then new after modified (improved) rebuilt Volvo transmission was installed. Shop charged me $4,600.

    While they were in there they did rear engine oil seal, flushed the angle gear & other gear box out (appearently this car has 3 gear boxes???) put in new fluid, one new left front drive shaft (cuased by damage from transmission fluid leaking in upper control arm...? did'nt fully understand that one..) tune up etc, etc...

    Cant wait after initial "break in" period going to take a trip & let it rip. Thas what this Twin Turbo 6 cycl. was designed to do. Volvo just failed in putting the right transmission with this power plant.

    I love the car, stle & ride but still going to pursue the defect somehow with everyone's support. What can we start to do in the way of getting the Class Action Suit with Mr. Green started?

    Has anyone else contacted him yet? Lisa I dont see that your e-mail is public yet? All those interested in pursuing the class action against Volvo who on on the forum should make your e-mails public in your Edmunds profile so we can share more information that may be prohibited on this page.

    Steve, wouldn't you agree?
  • jpgardellajpgardella Member Posts: 7
    What did you pay for the trans rebuild alone? I was quoted $2500-3000. It will be done next week.

    I emailed Mr. Green's office last week but have not seen a reply.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    $4,600 for "beefed up" rebuild has 2 year unlimeted miles warranty.
  • bernardbaybernardbay Member Posts: 5
    Would you be able to get more information from the rebuilder?

    For example:-
    1) Parts that failed?
    2) Parts that were badly damaged or worn?
    3) Parts which showed signs of wear?
    4) Parts which should be replaced?
    5) Parts which were 'beefed up'?
    6) etc

    It would be useful for us as reference.

    Bernard
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    Hi,

    I did make my email public. I had contacted Mr. Green, and I believe due to prior posts that he is looking to start with folks who had their transmission fail during the original warranty before proceeding with the rest of us. But that is strictly off of rote recall.

    I know the link was posted early for him-I would try him again and see what happens-if you would just let us all know. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm a tad worried with a new tranny and only a year warranty-doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

    Lisa
    laws65@sbcglobal.net
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Bernard & others.... it just keeps gettin better for me!!!!! Repair shop just called, cars not ready. Apppearently there are TWO different transmissions that can go in this car (first time I have heard this) & of course the one they were shipped was the wrong one (but didint know until it was already installed - something to do with the gear ratio's). Going to be another week!

    Anyway the good news is the "original" transmission from my T6 is already on its way to the rebuild shop. They are going to send me reports & all the broken parts when they tear it down to rebuild it.

    I have asked for complete documentation on what they put into the "beefed up" rebuild.

    As soon as I have that info I will share with all. Needless to say I am a little down about the delay. I was really looking forward to stomping on the pedal & listining to those turbo's wind up..... (I hate to admit this but being a car forum.... it is about cars, performance etc... 140 mph on I-95 was as smooth as glass with some pedal left. The cost of the ticket is what prevented me from pushing it further) Isn't that what European Cars are all about? No soccer mom here (although my wife is) LOL

    I will contact Mr. Green again myself & I urge all others to do the same. I will also let him know that we will have evidence soon from a tranny that had only 74,800 mie when it let go.

    Thanks,

    VeroT6 :shades:
  • tdyer3tdyer3 Member Posts: 2
    Hi, this is my first posting. I just started having trouble with the transmission in my XC90. I got a message saying, "Transmission Service Urgent" took the car to my local dealership and they said that they could not find anything wrong with the transmission, my care has about 85,000 miles on it. It's an 2005. The problem I'm having is that it feels like sometimes, not all the time, the transmission isn't engaging. Just today I got another message "Transmission Service Urgent" again, I have an extended warranty, which expires at 100,000 miles or Jan 2010 whichever comes first. So my question is should I take it to the dealership or a certified Volvo repair shop that will honor the extended warranty.
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    My personal recommendation would be any Volvo dealer, sounds like the beginnings of the tranny failing, but I'm not a mechanic, only an owner who had the same thing happen. I was able to drive mine for an additional month after my shop told me nothing was wrong. The extended warranty should be honored anywhere, but to be proactive, I would read the fine print just to be on the safe side and be prepared.

    Good luck

    Lisa
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    tyder3, I agree with Lisa, with a warranty def. take it to your local dealer.

    Although I experienced nothing but pure denial from the dealership & the factory your warranty should carry you!

    Read more on this forum & be sure to keep the class action attorney Mr. Green in the back of your mind......

    Happy Fathers Day to any & all of you lucky T6 dads! :)
  • ehslenoxehslenox Member Posts: 5
    My 2004 XC90 will be ready, tomorrow, having had the transmission replaced.

    I tool it to Volvo on May 22nd, when the "Transmission Service Urgent" light appeared. It had just under 60,000 miles. That's over a month that I have been without my car.

    I've had Volvo wagons since 1990. My previous Volvo, V70 turbo wagon, had 190,000 miles on it and had been a wonderful car. I told the person who bought it that they should call me when it passed 300,000 miles. NEVER had a problem!

    I have loved the XC 90 - until May 22nd! Now, am wondering what to do now that the transmission has been replaced. Should I keep it or sell it?

    By the way, when the dealer quoted $5,000 to replace the transmission and I balked, they came back with a "Volvo will cover 3/4 of the cost of replacement". This, I okayed.
  • laws65laws65 Member Posts: 69
    Hi,

    I don't know what to do with the XC 90 myself. I debated selling it and listed it on Craigslist and only had one email with an offer way under what i owe on it. I heard from Atty Greene's secrectary today that there isn't a class action under way either. I feel like I'm in a pinball game that won't end and I keep getting my head hit!

    At least with a new transmission, to look on the bright side, you should have a one year parts and labor warranty......

    The rest of us are in the same boat as you....

    Lisa
  • jpgardellajpgardella Member Posts: 7
    I got the car back yesterday. $3070 for the rebuild with 18 month warranty. It seems to be running fine except that I think they forgot put back a piece of sound insullation in the engine compartment - the engine noise is much loader on the drivers side.
  • kmart5kmart5 Member Posts: 11
    My tranny went at 38K ('04 XC90 T6), was replaced under warranty, now has about 73k. It's been slipping when fast starting for about 5000 miles. I hate to admit it but I've just told my wife to go easy on it in the hope of putting off the "trans service urgent" for as long as possible. (She does low, mostly local miles). This sucks. I'm guessing there's lots of people like me just waiting the wings and reading these posts. I'm sure I'll get more active when mine takes the inevitable dump.
  • verot6verot6 Member Posts: 21
    Dont worry you wont have to hold your breath for to long. I dont mean to sound so negative but that is exactly what happened to me. Babying it may get you don the road a little longer but when mine started slipping it was just a matter of time & when the dreaded "light" came on it was just a matter of 60 miles or so.....

    As far as my case goes the original tranny from my 03' T6 has been rebuilt with improvements. Should be back in the car by first of next week. The rebuild shop is going to send as many of the broken parts back to my mechanic so I will hopefully have some evidence of what & how for Mr. Green hopefully when he decides to take on this case.

    Has anyone out there been keeping track of the numbers? how many cars, what year mfr., what mileage when it happened (1st time 2nd time & in some cases maybe 3rd.).

    If so it would be interesting to see the consistencies.
  • sbrowssbrows Member Posts: 2
    I took my 2005 T6 XC90 in for the standard 67,500 mile service and mentioned that I noticed the transmission slipping once or twice over the past few weeks. The service guy called me and said the transmission needed to be replaced, but he sent a digital photo to Volvo Headquarters of the "debris in the oil pan" and they are going to replace the transmission as "good will" for FREE. I am stunned that I didn't even have to ask for the dealer to cover it or to contact Volvo. Somebody must be complaining loud if they are now covering this with no questions asked. I am outside of Chicago and took my car to Volvo of Lisle and obviously would highly recommend them. This good will may go a long way and is the difference between never buying another Volvo and definitely buying another Volvo!
  • 245245 Member Posts: 1
    I am the original owner of a '04 T6 with 126,000mi and just had the dreaded urgent transmission message. Towed 150 mi. to a local transmission shop of 40 years (not a national chain), only 70 psi not the 120psi as it should be and metal shavings and clutch material in the pan. Volvo NA. will not do anything until a Volvo retailer looks at the car, local dealer will not commit to assistance until seeing the car. For Volvo assistance, the dealer did say each case is different, depends on if you are repeat customer and if you regularly serviced at a Volvo dealer. This is my second new Volvo purchase, the last one in '89 but only serviced the XC90 at the dealer the first 2 years.

    I'm afraid volvo will kick in very little (if anything) based on my mileage. Dealer cost for the re-built is $4500, local shop (has done T6's before) capped my rebuild at $2600 and will offer a 24mo/24,000 mi warranty. I would have to tow to the dealer and pay a $120 evaluation fee.

    What would you do?
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