Originally Posted by al_roethlisberger

The fundamental question is: What is/are the "magic words" to tell the dealer to light the mental light-bulb and get them to update/check the transmission software version? Is there a TSB, or other "code" to give them that they can't crawfish away from easily?

Complain of the tranny "flaring".

To answer ArtSmart's question, I replied a PM from Psychwarlord regarding this issue, and I incuded the P/N and work order. I deleted the PM, but Psychwarlord may still have it.

I complained to the dealer a month ago about the car seemingly driving in one gear too high at lower speeds. This seemed to be somewhat stressful for the drive train. The dealer performed a software update and the "problem" was gone.

Here is some reference information contained in a TSB regarding the Adaptive Transmission Procedure that the technicians employ.

A/T - AW55-50 Hard Shifts/Shift Flare

NO: 43-27

DATE: 1-22-2004
MODEL/YEAR:
MY 2001- S60, V70, V70 XC, XC90 2.5T

SUBJECT:
AW55-50 Adaptation Procedure

CHASSIS:
All

Reference:
For all other cars with the AW 55-50, please see TNN 43-20

THIS TNN SUPERCEDES THE PREVIOUS TNN 43-27 DATED 7-15-02. PLEASE UPDATE YOUR FILES. Updated for XC90 2.5T

DESCRIPTION:

The AW55-50 gearbox relies on adaptive data to properly adjust its shift pressure. This data is collected and memorized by the TCM and then used to adjust shift feel/quality. If the adaptation is not complete, it may result in:
- Shift Flare: Engine RPM increases during a shift. This symptom often feels like the car has temporarily lost drive or the transmission is slipping. It is usually the 2-3 upshift that flares the most.

- Harsh Down Shifts: Harshness felt during a coast-down shift (zero throttle downshift).

- Harsh Garage Shifts: Harshness when shifting P-D, N-D, P-R, or N-R while at a standstill.

- Harsh Neutral Control Engagement/Disengagement: After coming to a complete stop in Drive, with your foot on the brake the TCM waits 2 seconds and then disengages drive to reduce emissions and minimize idle vibrations. This disengagement is normally smooth and isn't felt by the driver. If adaptation is not complete then a "thud" can be felt in the car 2 seconds after coming to a complete stop. When the brake pedal is released, the re-engagement of Drive should be relatively smooth. A harsh re-engagement can be felt if the adaptation is not complete. Neutral Control is present on all 2001 MY S60s and V70s. It is also present on non-turbo 2002 S60s and V70s produced before January 2002.

The TCM can sometimes take many miles to fully adapt. To assist in the process, a function called "Control Module Adaptation" has been included in VADIS. This mode is useful when the car is new, the gearbox, valve body or TCM have been replaced, or anytime you want to be sure that the transmission is fully adapted. The picture shows where to find the function. There is no need to "Reset the adaptation to zero", unless a piece of hardware, such as the valve body or gearbox has been replaced.

ADAPTATION MODE:
When you follow the procedure, you will first be directed to check which software version is in the TCM. This is because some cars need to be loaded with the latest software for the function to work (Please refer to
TNN 43-24). Once you have checked the software, you will be directed to the procedure. After reading through the procedure and using VADIS to put the car into Adaptation Mode, you can begin the adaptive test drive.

When the transmission oil reaches 65̊Celsius (150̊F.) a text message will appear in the DIM to confirm that you are in Adaptation Mode. It will remain in this mode until the car is shut off. If the transmission oil temperature exceeds 110̊Celsius (230̊F.), Adaptation Mode will be suspended and the text message will disappear until the temperature comes down.

The transmission does not adapt while in Geartronic or Winter mode; do not use those modes at any point in this procedure. While the car is in Adaptation Mode the orange triangle in the center of the instrument cluster (DIM) will flash just after a "perfect shift". A perfect shift is one where the TCM has reached its adaptation target for that particular shift.

To adapt the Upshifts:
1. Use 'D' range. The TCM does not adapt while in Geartronic. From a standstill, accelerate lightly (about 1400 RPM) up to 4th gear. Keep the throttle steady during the acceleration. Come to a stop and repeat this maneuver until the orange triangle flashes after each of the three shifts. It may take several accelerations to complete this. You will not reach 5th gear at this small throttle opening.

2. Perform another steady acceleration, all the way up to 5th gear. This time use a higher throttle position (about 1800 RPM). Repeat the maneuver until you see the orange triangle flash after each of the four shifts. Remember to keep the throttle steady.

3. Again accelerate up to 5th gear from a standstill; this time at an even high throttle opening (about 2500 RPM). Repeat the maneuver until you see the orange triangle flash after each of the four shifts. Remember to keep the throttle steady.

NOTE: The TCM is continuously adapting. Not every shift will be a "perfect shift". For example, you will not see the triangle flash after every 1-2 shift. You only need to see it flash once for the 1-2 shift at each throttle opening to know that the adaptation has reached its target.

To adapt the Downshifts:
1. Use 'D' range. The TCM does not adapt in Geartronic. Drive along at about 45 MPH in 5th gear. Release the throttle and gently brake until you are at a standstill. Use very light pressure on the brake pedal.

2. Repeat this maneuver until the orange triangle flashes after each of the four downshifts. It will take several decelerations to adapt all of the shifts. If you are having difficulty, increase or decrease the pedal pressure you are using.

NOTE: The TCM is continuously adapting. Not every shift will be a "perfect shift". For example, you will not see the triangle flash after every 3-2 shift. You only need to see it flash once for the 3-2 shift during this maneuver to know that it has reached its target.

To adapt the Garage Shifts:
1. With the engine idling and your foot on the brake, shift to 'N'. Wait 5 seconds; shift to 'R'. Wait 5 seconds and shift back to 'N'. The adaptation has reached its target when the orange triangle flashes after you shift to 'R'. If the triangle flashes once, you do not need to see it every time after that. This is because the TCM is continuously adapting.

2. With the engine idling and your foot on the brake, shift to 'N'. Wait 5 seconds; shift to 'D'. Wait 5 seconds and shift back to 'N'. The adaptation has reached its target when the orange triangle flashes after you shift to 'D'. If the triangle flashes once, you do not need to see it every time after that. This is because the TCM is continuously adapting.

To adapt the Neutral Control:
NOTE: This only applies to certain cars. They are listed in the "Description" section of this document.

1. Drive along slowly (about 5 MPH) in 'D' range. Gently bring the car to a complete stop. Repeat this maneuver until the orange triangle flashes a few seconds after you stop the vehicle. This tells you that the Neutral Control engagement is adapted.

2. With the engine idling and your foot on the brake, shift to 'D' range. Wait about 25 seconds and you will see the orange triangle flash, telling you it is ready to adapt. After it has flashed, release the brake pedal and allow the car to crawl forward. Repeat this maneuver until the triangle flashes just after releasing the brake pedal. This tells you that the Neutral Control disengagement is adapted.

NOTE: The TCM is continuously adapting. Not every shift will be a "perfect shift". For example, you will not see the triangle flash every time you release the brake pedal. You only need to see it flash once to know that the neutral control adaptation has reached its target.

Once you have adapted the Upshifts, Downshifts, Garage Shifts and Neutral Control, the procedure is complete. When the ignition is switched off, the TCM automatically exits adaptation mode.

I got mine in a week ago and had the same complain as mention in this tread (throttle half way in before any reaction). Also it has "flared" some ocations on long drives.

This is what they did.

ART 9494721 TCM reload (dont think this is anything new, just a reload)

ART 30677022 ECM update (the number might be specific for the D5)


They admit they would not automaticly check for updates unless Volvo ask them to do it. The update itself only cost them a few cent (according to a techie at my Volvo dealer) that they have to pay Volvo! I didnt have to pay anything for it, only says covered by warranty.

Now the interresting part; Do I feel any difference? Not really, maybe if I am positive about it. Havent really had a chance to check the flare case and maybe the delay on the throttle is shorter, but nothing dramatic.

I didnt ask if they went through with that adaptive procedure mention in ART's posting, but that one is for MY2001. Guess they have something for newer cars to.

I took the car in for the software update Thursday (among other things) - when I picked up the car Friday they said nothing was wrong with the transmission and all software updates were loaded into the tranny already and there was nothing more they could do.

I said aren't the 2004 and 2005 transmissions identical? (Yes)

Can't you put the software from a 2005 into a 2004? (No - there's nothing wrong with your transmission - all the software updates for the 2004 have been exhausted....mmmmmmmmmmm whrrrrrrrrrr)

Am I a strange and unreasonable customer? The 2004 tranny shifts slow (but doesn't "flare" - they told me that!), and the 2005+ shifts much quicker -

if the transmissions are identical, can't the 2004 be made to shift like the 2005+?


Well? Sorry if I sound obsessed - the difference is really pronounced. Drive your 2004 and older XC70, then drive a 2005+ XC70 - it's like night and day!

Ok, here it is - just got back from the dealership and I'm now a happy owner of the TCM software upgrade. Well, I'm not sure how happy I am really, but they did it. When I got to the dealership I told them that once in a while transmission flares and throttle response is lagging. It took me 2 hours of waiting time (actual labor time was 1 hour) and they put 8 miles on the car while I was waiting (I assume trying to verify the simptoms - which they said they didn't). After all, they upgraded software and did it under warranty.

After driving it from the dealer I can tell that it is not really much different. There is slight improvement in the throttle lag (subjectively - 30%), but it is still there. I didn't notice any change in how quick the tranny shifts or in flaring (I experienced it only once or twice before). So I guess it is just knowing that I have latest and greatest is worth the trouble of driving to the dealer.

What is interesring is that when I described to the guy at the counter the simptoms I said: "...a second delay in the throttle response" He put down: " ...a minute delay". ...funny... When they were done he repeated: " You said you had a minute dealy and according to Volvo it is a normal throttle response" I guess if you can't (or don't want) to change something you can justify just about anything. I work in electronics engineering and in our circles this policy is known as 'if you cant fix something put it down as a feature'. I wonder how you market something like that: " The longest delay in throttle response on the market! None of the competitors come even close! Best neck snapping action when it finally kicks in' I guess it will work as long as it is said by one of those guys with low trusty voices.

Anyhow, P/N for the upgrade is 30677036. Bottom line was $46.40 which was covered under warranty (my XC was manufactured in 12/03)

I had the same TCM upgrade (30677036) performed back in February after complaining about what I thought was a shift flare on a return leg home from the west coast. They road tested the car and then updated the software. I was told that they had disabled the neutral control function and that it would take a while for the module to adapt. I went away feeling a bit sceptical but, since then, have not experienced any rev surges as had occurred on that trip and am happy to report that the car runs great.

Can someone describe "transmission flare"? I really don't understand this condition.

Thanks
al

Transmission flare - when transmission goes into neutral in the period of time between switching from one gear to another.

On a separate note - figured I would test the throttle response time. It is kind of sad really. Going at moderate speeds I can floor accelerator pedal and then let it go without any noticible acceleration or change in RPM or in gear (has to be done very quick). Attention don't try to do it in trafic! (Who knows, may be you've got the only responsive one on the market ). I think Volvo can not really change this lag (downside of having electronic throttle... come to think about it, what was the upside again ) so they just dampened throttle response when starting to move. Now instead of snapping your neck 1 second after you pressed the accelerator pedal, it starts moving more smothely ... but still 1 second later. I don't think it is a transmission issue, because when you let go of the brakes the car starts rolling and is in first gear, but if you press the pedal there is still a lag between the action and response. It is just all the time lag of electrons flying through the wires (just kidding), processing the signals (semi - kidding) and lag of electric throttle actuators (not kidding at all). Where is the good old cable controlls when you need them? Oh! Another million dollar idea! Aftermarket throttle body kit with cable controls! With all the ETM failures and throttle lagging it would be selling as hot cakes!

As posted earlier, we had been having problems with our 2002 XC that we have just purchased under "certified preowner" program. The transmission takes a very long time to shift from N to D, and shifts in two phases. If you release you foot from the brake too early (before the second engagement) there is a loud clunk. It also flares sometimes, when you take your foot off the gas, and then resume accelerating.

Took it to the dealer wondering what we'd be in for. They updated the software (no charge) and all is well. Transmission works fine now.

Welcome to the new automotive world, what's next, software viruses, trojan horses, etc.? I'm glad I didn't buy a Microsoft car.

Perhaps I shouldn't have suggested that.....

Scott.