The Volvo V70 was equipped with the Aisin AW55-50SN (AF3) transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Volvo V70 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Volvo V70 Transmission Models
Volvo V70: AW55-50SN Transmission
Volvo V70 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement AW55-50SN Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
What are the DTC codes related to Volvo V70 transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Volvo V70 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Volvo V70 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Volvo V70 Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Volvo V70 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Volvo V70 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Volvo V70 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Volvo V70 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Volvo V70 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Volvo V70 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Volvo V70 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Volvo V70 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Volvo V70 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Volvo V70 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Volvo V70 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Volvo V70 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Volvo V70 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Volvo V70 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Volvo V70 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
After traveling about 20 miles car warmed up climbing uphill clunk noise seems lost of lower gear and power tried 3 separate Times same 3rd time out in manual mode 3rd gear same hill slight clunk kicked into 4th gear only had 2nd and 4 th drive home and seemed fine was able to drive the previous 2 times in drive but seem like higher gear in take off
After traveling about 20 miles then climbing uphill car chunks and kicks out of gear happen 3 times exact same spot (Clunks) don’t have lower gears in manual mode climbed hill in 3rd gear slight clunk then then kicked into 4th only had 2nd and 4th gear seemed fine driving back home
TCM shorted and caused the CEM to also short out had both repaired , but want to find out why they shorted out!
I have a 2006 V70 with 182,000+ miles. The transmission drops into the “protected” mode from time to time, and comes back out without an event attached to the return to normal. Took it to my long time reliable service providers and they had me take it to a transmission specialist. After driving it and testing it they suggested a new battery might resolve the problem, which made sense to me as it seemed to be “electrical” related. Changed the battery and it seemed to solve the problem, but then the situation returned after a few days of smooth working. Now I think it may be one of the solenoids, perhaps the shifter solenoid, that creates the problem. Wonder if anyone has any thoughts.
When I first started it up, there was no problem, but then when I went into reverse from park, there was a jolt and the service transmission warning came on and the transmission would only go in third gear, protective mode. I figure that the safe mode arises because the shift solenoid “told it” to do so.
No codes in my v70 xc 2002. The transmission slips in all gears except reverse after about 5 minutes of driving. After that it will not move forward unless I rev the hell out of it and then it will crawl forward a bit. Almost begins to behave like a centrifical clutch until it dies completely.
Mi volvo V70 XC 2001 transmission AW55-50SN 8480897
Serial # 00GV701322
Vin # YV1SZ58DX11010222
Mi transmission no work whit 3 code fail is p0732 ,p0733 ,p1618
No reverse jus work when transmission is coold, when transmission hot, die no change more
I went the used tranny route and after 2 months the transmission just quit. No symptoms of slipping or hard shifting at all. The sound are like a whining and metal grinding type sound. It even rolls in park. No gears engage at all. 2001 V70 2.4t Geartronic
yv1sw58D212072734
I had a Axel fixed and now mine rolls when I put in park for a bit