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Will a change of transmission oil solve a fault with my Volvo V70 automatic?
My car is a 2007 Volvo V70 diesel automatic with 54,000 miles. It is serviced by the Volvo dealer as required. When towing a caravan (but only then) I get a warning saying 'Transmission service required' after travelling 30 - 40 miles. I advised the dealer who carried out a check at a cost of £29. He recommended that the transmission oil should be changed (at a cost of £250) but cannot guarantee that this will solve the problem. There is also a solenoid, which he says may be sticking. I would appreciate your opinion on whether the oil change is likely to clear the problem and whether his charges seem reasonable?
Asked on 14 December 2013 by SL, via email
Answered by
Honest John
When you tow with an automatic that does not have additional transmission oil cooling, the transmission oil is prone to overheat and burn. I suspect that is what has happened to yours. The solenoid will be in the servo valve box that controls the transmission gear changes. A specialist can recondition these, but a dealer will usually prescribe a new valve box at a cost of around £2500.
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