Automatic transmission Volvo 4T65E, TF80-SC, 55-51SN, 55-50SN is a reliable mechanism, but parts wear out during operation, and operating errors often occur on the part of the car owner.
This often leads to a decrease in service life and automatic transmission breakdowns.
Signs of a breakdown in a Volvo automatic transmission - when is it necessary to send a Volvo to a diagnostic service?
The main mistakes of motorists leading to automatic transmission breakdown are sharp acceleration, slipping, non-observance of technical intervals.
Regardless of which Volvo you have - S80, XC90, S60 or XC70, and which automatic transmission - whether it's a 4-speed 4T65E for Volvo CROSS COUNTRY, or a 5-speed for Volvo s60, if you want it to serve you for a long time and securely need to diagnose .
We also draw your attention to the fact that each car owner has his own driving style. Most do not even suspect that this is fraught with consequences for the automatic transmission, therefore, when purchasing a car in the secondary market, be sure to diagnose the automatic transmission.
Below are signs of malfunctioning automatic transmission, if even one of them is present, it is necessary to diagnose in a specialized place.
- The box is slipping.
- Dips in the dynamics of speeding up (“slows down”).
- Speeds are switched jerkily.
- When switching the lever, a jerk occurs (the box “kicks”).
- When you press the accelerator pedal, the box “thinks”, “freezes”.
- Vibrations of the car, it is worth checking the automatic transmission cushions.
- Extraneous noises and knocks.
- The check engine light came on on the dashboard.
Typical breakdowns of automatic transmissions on Volvo - how is the inspection and repair of automatic transmissions on Volvo carried out?
During the operation of an automatic transmission on a Volvo, various kinds of breakdowns can occur, and for various reasons. If the automatic transmission is with an electronic control unit, then the breakdowns are divided into two groups.
- First group- these are breakdowns associated with the automatic transmission control electronics.
- Second group- these are breakdowns of the hydro-mechanical part of the automatic transmission.
Malfunctions of the electronic control system:
Basically, if the electronic part of the automatic transmission breaks down, it goes into the so-called emergency mode of saving the transmission, the box no longer responds to shifting the lever, one gear remains on to ensure the transportability of the car to the nearest service.
Diagnostics of these types of breakdowns is carried out by a special computer-scanner. It is very important to identify these breakdowns at the diagnostic stage, since the computer is repaired without removing
Malfunctions of the hydro-mechanical part of the Volvo automatic transmission:
If the vehicle does not respond to commands when shifting gears, there is extraneous noise in the box, if it moves with slipping in the automatic transmission, the breakdown is associated with friction discs, planetary gears, a pump, torque converter, wear of bushings and bearings due to damaged brake band.
Diagnostics of the hydro-mechanical part without inspection at a stationary point cannot be made, since it involves the analysis of the Volvo automatic transmission. Some of the listed breakdowns of the automatic transmission are detected using a scanner, but it is no longer possible to repair indiscriminately.
Inspection of automatic transmission for defects occurs in stages:
- Checking the Volvo automatic transmission with a computer-scanner for the performance of all systems.
In VOLVO, all vehicle control systems are connected, so if there are problems with functioning, for example, in the ABS, this also affects the operation of all other systems, including the automatic transmission ECU.
- Visual inspection on the lift.
Oil level and condition checked:
The oil level in the Volvo automatic transmission is checked only with the engine running, if it is cold, then the oil should be at the lower mark, if it is hot, then at the top mark of the dipstick. Underfilling, as well as overfilling, is fraught with consequences for the automatic transmission, a lack leads to overheating and increased wear of automatic transmission parts. The condition of the oil is indicative of the condition of the box, the clutches are damaged. And it will need renovation soon.
Visual inspection for leaks. Condition of cooling radiators:
The presence of a leak from the Volvo automatic transmission sump indicates that it is necessary to check the oil level and replace the box sump gasket. A contaminated automatic transmission cooling radiator leads to increased oil heating, and since an already high pressure and temperature (> 120 degrees) is created in the box, this leads to an increased load on the pressure regulator and oil pump.
Most of our motorists still believe that it must be German. And even those who are looking for themselves are still primarily focused on products from Germany. But there are still a lot of interesting options, which also look much more attractive for the price. The second-generation Volvo S80 is just one of those options. The Swedish sedan still looks stylish, pleases with a spacious interior, a roomy trunk and a fairly large number of power units. But can the Swedish car compete with its German rivals in terms of reliability? Now let's find out.
Volvo S80 executive sedan
Problems with the body of the Volvo S80 II
But with chrome parts, which lose their gloss in 3-4 years, it is more difficult. They are expensive to change, so most owners simply do nothing with them. Also, before buying, be sure to check the integrity of the washer reservoir. On many cars it is cracked. It is possible that along with it you will also have to change the headlight washer hoses. They also tend to crack over time.
Possible problems with the interior
There are no complaints about the interior of the Swedish car. All the materials used in it are of very high quality, so you should not hear any squeaks of salon plastic. But check the electronics, take a little more time. Start by checking the performance of the seat heating and air conditioning system. Due to a faulty temperature sensor located inside the car, the air conditioner can only supply hot air to the passenger compartment. It is possible that along with the sensor, the stove motor will also have to be changed, which, after a run of 150 thousand kilometers, begins to creak mercilessly. By the same run, many Volvo S80 owners will have to change the alternator clutch bearing.
Volvo S80 II engine problems
Powerful 4.4 liter petrol engine
When choosing an engine, it is best to give preference to a 3.2-liter gasoline unit. It is considered the most reliable. And the chain used in this engine in the gas distribution mechanism will save you from unnecessary headaches. In a more powerful 4.4 petrol engine, a chain is also used in the gas distribution mechanism, but structurally this unit is much more complicated, so you can buy a car with it only if you firmly decide for yourself that you are not going to save on maintenance.
But most often in our market there are cars with a 2.5T gasoline engine. In this power unit, every 90 thousand kilometers you will have to change the belt in the gas distribution mechanism. Also be prepared for the fact that you will have to change the oil level sensor, and after a run of 150-170 thousand kilometers, the camshaft and crankshaft oil seals may need to be replaced, which by this time begin to “snot” a little.
Among other problems that are typical for engines installed on a Swedish sedan, one can note the failure of the ignition coils. And with their replacement it is better not to delay, since the operation of a car with damaged coils will very soon lead to failure of the microcircuit of the electronic engine control unit. You will have to buy a new module, but it is very expensive. Also, do not be lazy to periodically pay attention to the condition of the cooling fan. After a run of 180 thousand kilometers, it may fail.
Video: Volvo S80 - 2008. Overview (interior, exterior, engine).
Volvo S80 gearbox operation
An automatic gearbox, and most Volvo S80 II generations will be with it, after 50 thousand kilometers it starts to buzz noticeably in first gear. But the manufacturer assures that this is not a malfunction, but a feature of the work. And this seems to be true, since then the “machine” works without any problems. And only after a run of 200 thousand kilometers, he begins to shift gears with noticeable jerks. You have to change the guide bushings in the solenoids. And if you are not lucky, then friction clutches with a hydraulic module will also go under the replacement. And in this case, the repair will be really expensive. So before buying, especially if you have even the slightest suspicion, it is better to diagnose an automatic transmission. And after buying a car, immediately change the oil in the "machine". This will increase its service life.
Suspension and steering
Suspension Volvo S80 second generation is quite reliable. Only after 100 thousand kilometers is she. First you have to change the front shock absorbers and thrust bearings. Then it will be the turn of silent blocks and ball joints. After a run of 150-170 thousand kilometers, wheel bearings will require replacement. And note that some Volvo S80 II have suspension with adjustable dampers. Her "consumables" will be more expensive.
With the steering of a Swedish car, there should not be any special problems. After 100 thousand kilometers, hoses in the hydraulic power steering begin to leak on some cars, but this problem has not become widespread. From time to time, owners of the Volvo S80 II also complain about the steering rack. But she, if we compare her resource with that of competing cars, is quite reliable.
So is it worth being afraid of the second-generation Volvo S80 with mileage? Hardly. If we compare the level of reliability of the Swedish car with competitors, and they are the BMW fifth series, Audi A6 and Mercedes Bens E, then the “Swede” looks even more preferable. But it is important to understand that maintenance and repair of a luxury car cannot be cheap by definition. So a possible repair in any case will require very serious costs. Ready for it? Then go ahead in search of a decent car.
Good afternoon I have a Volvo S80, automatic transmission in emergency mode. All solenoids receive a too weak signal, after replacing them, the errors remained the same, the wiring rang, everything is in order there. Tell me, please, what could be the problem? (musa)
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Why does the automatic transmission work in emergency mode?
There may be several reasons why the “automatic” can switch the mode:
- First of all, this may be due to a lack or excess of gear oil. An incorrect level will cause malfunctions in the control unit, which will force it to turn on the emergency gang.
- Problems can arise as a result of malfunctions in the mechanics of the unit or hydraulics. In particular, these can be directly defects in the gearbox housing itself or malfunctions in the operation of the friction group. It is necessary to dismantle the pallet and inspect it - if traces of metal chips or howling are visible on it, then you will have to check each component of the unit. With computer diagnostics, such problems do not always pop up.
- Another reason is a malfunction in the functioning of the control system. In particular, the temperature level control sensor could fail. You need to change the element. In addition, we will recommend that you diagnose the camshaft pulley, throttle, air mass sensor and ABS.
- Perhaps the problem lies in the rotation devices of the input or output pulleys. Or the malfunction lies in the operation of the control unit.
Are you sure that you have done a quality diagnosis? Perhaps it makes sense to turn to other specialists for help? Sometimes what some people cannot do, other masters can easily do. If our recommendations did not help you, we advise you to diagnose your car yourself using a tester and a laptop. Or entrust this business to professionals.
Video "Automatic transmission in emergency mode"
How the "machine" works in emergency mode - look at the video.
The most common automatic transmission configurations for Volvo cars: AW55-50SN, AW50-42LE, TF80SC, 4HP22, 4T65E.
All Volvo automatic transmissions are reliable and durable, but they also need to be repaired from time to time. Often, the owner of the car himself contributes to the premature failure of the automatic transmission, or rather, his incorrect manipulations when controlling the automatic transmission, as well as untimely oil changes.
This includes such a moment as the actions of the driver at a traffic light. Normally the selector lever is in position D and the foot on the brake pedal. The driver, in order not to keep his foot on the brake, switches the selector to P or N mode, and then, when starting the car, sharply presses the gas pedal.
This leads to the fact that at the moment of starting with a sharp gas, the friction discs burn out, since the feed rate of the box oil pump is disturbed. The oil pump simply does not have time to raise the working pressure to fully engage the clutch discs and they slip. The dark oil in the automatic transmission also indicates damage to the friction discs.
Volvo S60, S70, XC-70
On Volvo S60, S70, XC-70 cars, a 5-speed automatic transmission AW 55-50 / 51SN is installed. The failure of this box will be accompanied during its repair by replacing the entire consumable package of materials - oil seals, gaskets, steel and friction discs, all bushings, filters, brake band. The planetary gear bushing is changed only in some cases.
When replacing a brake band, it is best not to save on purchases and purchase an original or a “replica” but from trusted manufacturers: TRANSTAR, TRANSTEC, BORG WARNR.
Valve body automatic transmission Volvo
The most problematic part of Volvo boxes is the Volvo automatic transmission valve body or, as it is called, the valve control unit. From the experience of the aggregators, if this malfunction occurs, it is best to replace the unit with a new control unit. This is an expensive pleasure, but it guarantees further trouble-free operation of the automatic transmission.
On a Volvo S80, XC-90 with a T6 engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission 4T65E is installed. If this automatic transmission fails, the following parts are usually subject to replacement: a pressure regulator (determined by slipping in all stages), 3-4 gear accumulator springs and a forward clutch piston. All friction discs, seals, gaskets and brake bands are also subject to replacement (there are three of them in this modification of the automatic transmission). The 4-speed hub is also often subject to replacement.
The weakest point of this automatic transmission is the differential, which is almost always replaced with a working second-hand differential. A new one is very expensive and also a long lead time. In addition to the differential, the entire range of bearings is replaced, as well as failed gears.
The replacement of the hydraulic unit in almost every repair case also occurs during the repair of automatic transmission Volvo TF80SC.
For all repaired automatic transmissions, we give a guarantee of up to 2 years for the quality of work.
