Transmission Failure in my 2007 Volvo XC90 V8 Sport. 

You are a good person. Not only do you appreciate all that is Volvo, but you lent yours to someone who needed help. Thank you for being a good person.

I would be very surprised if this is a complete transmission failure. Valve body failure is so common on these, i would most definitely start there and do the work yourself. If the valve body doesn't solve the problem, plan for bigger expenses. There's a reason the valve body was updated on these in late 2008 models.

I have a fully loaded 2017 XC90 T6 R-Design, in Passion Red. I bought it new in 2017 well under MSRP, because the dealer wanted it off their lot since many people aren't keen on a bright red SUV. 4 years later, I've had no real issues and it still gets many compliments on its looks.

That transmission is rated for over 1,000,000 miles but the urethane bushings inside of it are only rated for about 90,000. When these transmissions “go out” and the codes start showing up, it is commonly the bushings inside of it and nothing more. The bushings cost about $70. Volvo will not do this repair but instead will only install a perfectly new transmission. This is commonly upwards of $6000. A decent Volvo mechanic will take apart your transmission and replace the urethane bushings. For usually about $850. I have a friend out here in my hometown in California Who buys perfectly good Volvos with “blown” transmissions for between 1000 and $2000. He then pays his mechanic $40 per hour to do transmission rebuilds. Averaging one per day. Then he sells the cars for $6000.

I’m currently in a 2021 XC90 loner as my S40 gets work. Had transmission replaced a few years ago by dealer at $5,000+ but it’s guaranteed for parts an labor, for life. For life. Hope you keep it!

I believe your passion, honest intentions and desire to help others will be making its way back to you. One gets what one gives and you sir.....well your archive speaks for itself.

Just replace the valve body with a used unit, the 6 Cyl XC90's share the same system, I swapped an 09 TF-80SC valve body into my 06 V70R and it works fantastic!

Thank you for not giving up on a car! Especially the beautiful red XC90!

2008 XC90 V8 AWD owner here. I got very lucky in purchasing the 2008, apparently the 2008 was the first year that solved the valve body/transmission issues you're seeing yourself. And then the 2005/2006 XC90 V8s had the lack of a drain hole in the CB shaft valley, so there was the CB shaft bearing failure... But we still love Volvos! :)

I feel sorry for you.i had to replace my 5 speed auto on my 2003 XC90 T5 at 190,000Kms. Had the transmission flush at 165,000 Km but it was too late. and after $5000 of replacing the transmission, the second hand one failed at 198,000. There was too much trans fluid everywhere. So I cut my losses and sold it. Replaced her with a 2006 V50 T5 AWD which I get the transmission flushed every 45,000 KM. So far so good.

Rescuing a car you dearly love is something only a car lover can understand. I needed a sound, reliable, adequately roomed, awd, and after doing tons of research, my heart was set on a 2007 XC70. Finally found one that I could pay cash for. It almost looks new. Has need some work. But well worth it. The 2nd generation model was the one to get. I recently found a Scotty Kilmer video, titled,, 'The Best European Car Ever Made'. I rescued correctly! It is the Volvo XC70! It's got to be the correct year, though!!! The best to you on your car repairs!!!

If you need someone to talk with and help with the stress we’re here. Don’t let it get to you to much. Rough mountains with always eventually lead to blissful plains. Love you and keep up the good work.

We have a friend in Holland who wrenches part time on Volvo's. In the past he has put red block manual conversion packages together and shipped them to USA. I'm sure he would do the same for an XC-90 if they were available in manual in Europe. Alternatively he could source a wrecked manual transmission vehicle and you could ship the whole thing. Then you'd have a pile of other spare parts (lights, electronics, interior, etc - especially if same colour codes).

I hope you can get it fixed soon! Ironically enough there was a passion red XC90 at my local Volvo Nerd shop with identical transmission issues just last month. I love my XC90 V8, and hope to see yours come to life again!

Very interesting. The overdrive went out on my 240, Arthur, about 4 years ago. Money said it would not get fixed for a while, as I thought it was expensive. Last month the overdrive actuator started leaking. Bypass kit from IPD, and $100 including tax to have it installed, and the transmission is back to full operation, as good as new. Not bad for 600,000 kilometers on the clock. It sounds like you have a had valve body, so that should be much simpler to have done. Still, it is a pain in the wallet. Good job helping out a friend, and better job still that you decided to do what you are doing. Only sorry you will not be coming up into Ontario after New York. It would be a great pleasure to meet you some day. I love the passion you have for these cars.

I know the pain you’re feeling and being torn on the next step. I just drove from salt lake valley in Utah to the Dallas area (7/7/21-7/9/21) and my same XC90 07 V8 had a similar transmission issue, but I’m very positive it’s heat conducive because I was loaded up in my car with all my belongings and the ambient temps for Moab when I was driving through were 111 degrees haha. I’m not giving up on it, I agree that it’s a wonderful car. I’d definitely look at replacing your valve body like I might need to, but hopefully a flush helps out (original transmission 204k miles) Good luck!

I own a Volvo XC90 2011 is a great car love to drive it in the snow but it is a little costly when it comes to maintenance but I really don’t care is a great car

David, We kind of went thru this a year or so ago. The P2 AW transmissions are known for valve body issues. The problem is that the valve body "can" create other problems if not caught early enough. My son's (he was 15yrs old at the time) first car was a 2001 V70 T5, with a sick AW55-50. A flush "fixed" it for ~800 miles. So one thing to think about is if a flush fixes it for a while, then the clutches and servos are working. The valve body just isn't commanding the correct pressure the clutch packs. The one issue is if the filter gets plugged. I am unsure of the TF80 trans, but on the AW55-50 the filter is not removeable without splitting the trans. So, I would suggest you determine IF you can get the side cover "pan" off of the trans without dropping the cradle (this is what you have to do on the V70). You only have to drop the drivers side, leaving the passenger side bolts in (loosened, but still in). This puts the trans at an angle, and the pan can come off. Then I would buy a new valve body from ReamMan in MI. Install new VB, and get someone with Vida/Dice to reset the TCU adaptions. Also, put a inline transmission filter in the return line. BTW, you can do your own flush very easy. Search the "gibbons" method on Swedespeed. Use ANY 3309 trans oil you can find (Valvoline MAX LIFE = ~$19/gal). Good luck. FYI, we just picked up or 13th Volvo a few weeks ago!! Mark from Northern WI.

Your 2007 XC90 Sport is gorgeous!! We have a 2008 XC90 V8 model in black paint that we really like but I love the XC90 Sport model w/red paint and sport wheels. Definitely worth fixing your red sport model. The Angle gear is in a tough/tight spot because of the design for the v8...its a rare engine and it's a sport model to boot, definitely a keeper.

Wow, i watched the old XC90 vids literally last night wondering what happened to it. That sucks. These kind of expenses makes you love ol' red blocks even more. I'd put that money into trying to find a cheap place to rent to be able to work on it yourself!

I'm about to drop 2-3k on the timing cover gasket leak and alternator on my '07 V8 Sport. It definitely hurts but I can't let Fenrir keep limping on like that. Keep up the good work and heads up, before you know it she'll be back on the road! BTW I'm in NYC, would be great to meet up!

If I had a friend, like you were to this elder gentleman, I would be very blessed. Or in other words, if the world had more friends like you we would not be in this mess. Open a gofundme page I am sure a lot of us will donate to that after what you you did for your elderly friend.

That's kinda the beauty of some of the older Volvo's yes they need work, but usually the costs are usually less crazy.

I like this kind of car i should buy one next.

Love your channel. I am also going to the VCOA meet in Gettysburg with my 1993 240. Hope to see you there with Ivy.

THAT'S crrazy you caught that red p950 towed past the dragon lol brothers in arms

Hello David, David Hoskin here, and brother , Ifeel your pain, I was almost done paying off one of my bucket list cars, a jet-black vw jetta turbo diesel, when my hot water tank in the house blew up and flooded my house, then the dreaded triangle of doom appeared on my ice white 2005 Volvo S40! Luckily it was just the charging system, i.e. I had to replace the alternator, and the battery while i was at it, (as recommended by a volvo mechanic), and because I had to mess with the belts, I went ahead and changed them as well. What a mess of a month that was! I love watching everything you do, and If I could I would save every Volvo out there in need of rescue too!!! Also, I would absolutely love to one day work on a project, or a restoration with you and collaborate on a youtube video or series of videos!!! Your'e an awesome person, and you have been an inspiration to me and all of my passion that I now have for everything Volvo!!

Good call on storing her until you get things straight - I'm in the same boat but I'll replace mine myself. Just gotta find the replacement. Take my time and do it right.

The animation was the best!!! LIke the Steelers decal! Pittsburgh here! and I love that car just fix it!

Hello from Morocco nice car ❤

Valve body, happened to mine. Replaced it very cheaply and down the road I go...still.

Good luck with the red passion. I can't advise on the mechanicals. Only to say if you put into storage it will be there when your other gaols are achieved. Then you will find a way to fix it without stressing yourself. BTW I have previously indicated that I have 2 Volvos a 93 940 GL wagon and a 91 240 GLE sedan. Well I sold the GLE back to the person I purchased it from, and then about a month ago I purchased it back. My wife says 2 Volvos is 1 too many. I say I don't care, life is too short, both cars are individuals and when I die it will make no difference. So I am keeping both cars for my pleasure. Keep the Red Passion Mobile.

Have a 2006 XC90 T5 haldex 3 just as you have on you have. I have installed a external oil cooler, and that solve the root cause.

You may be able to find a used one from a yard. It could cost only a fraction of the price of rebuilding. Best is to get to a good Volvo tech and have them deal with the project. They have contacts with used parts and have some warranty at least the car would be able to be driven.

I would do a manual gearbox swap there must be a second hand recon gearbox somewhere in America

Hey, does the repair of the gearbox already started, or is it still postponed?

I have a xc90 v8 Transmission story. "Fk" is the name of the last chapter.

WHAT COULD BE in my 2008 volvo xc90, transmission from 3th to 4th, are jumping, like new more gos to my that change..what could be?

I have a black sapphire pearl v8. I haven't seen one like mine and I've never seen a passion red v8 either. Mine is throwing a 4th gear slip code but still drives well. It does shift flare on acceleration and will slam into the lower gears. If you time it right, during a flare you can turn on the cruise control and the computer will force it into gear.

Im thinking about buying one of these. Would love your opinions

had a trobule with my 2002 Ocean Race editon XC70 and it had transmission issues and it turned out it was only a worn valvebody and the whole job cost about a 1000 euros

Hello from Ireland! I love your red XC90. I'm not a fan of patreon setups but if you created a crowd fund and 6000 of us put in a dollar each you'd have it fixed ! 🙌

Incredible that it wasn’t mindlessly vandalised or stolen, here in the uk something that nice would be either gone in ten minutes or a burnt out shell.

Hola, tengo una Volvo XC90 AWD 3.2, 2009. La transmisión "patea" de 1a a 2a. En subidas, la camioneta pierde mucha fuerza. En terreno plano anda "normal". El nivel de aceite es correcto. Qué puede ser, consejos? Gracias.

I’m glad I did a couple drain & fills on Thor.. lol

Where dis you get the bigger Volvo badge for the rear of the xc90? I want one for my xc70

Everything will work itself out.

Är bilen bara fastsatt i framhjulen på släpkärran?

My V8 Transmission rebuild is in its 8th month, and I used a Transmission shop. 😆 Oh the content thats gone forever now, if I only knew .

I feel ya. Telling you that is just a car is not an option. It's not a car it's a Volvo. Lol I'm the same. Good luck. My dad just bought the same with the Yamaha 8 cylinder. Wish they'd put the effort into the transmission. But whatever. I think he'll get more miles out of his cross country. See ya round one of these days.

Transmissions with 6j and later serial numbers had harder material in valve body. Mine is a 6C and previous owner paid Sydney transmission Aud5k for a rebuild which included new valve body.

Ugh!! Hopefully you can get her running again soon!

HI, i have a question, as to why you have the high beams on

I don’t know anything about your transmission shop, but I found it personally advantageous to compare shops. Here in middle TN I had one very well known (and advertised) foreign car specialist quote $3200 for a repair on my ‘10 XC90- not in my budget so I hauled it to another shop which quoted $2300. Something about their itemized quote didn’t seem right (they quoted replacement of something seemingly unrelated to the problem). I decided to wait and hauled it to my house where it sat for nearly 6 months. A friend recommended a place he claimed was honest and I had them give me a quote: $540. Turned out some of the stuff the other places were telling me needed fixed were just fine after all and that tells me BOTH the other shops were crooked. I’m currently driving my XC90 again and will take it back to the honest shop if/when it needs something.

I own a 07 Volvo xc90 v8 sport,I feel in love at first sight, drove awesome, the same thing happened to me the dreaded red triangle 😪,I'm in Chicago and shops avoid my truck like it has the pleagg,or the just don't want to work on it,or give me a ridiculous amount to fix it,I want to sell it to someone who knows what to do

Have you considered fishing for a whole new transmission with considerably low miles? You can also find parts XC90s that might have just had a rebuilt transmission repair done but then something mechanically unrelated to the transmission failed soon after, making the car a total loss. This is far more common than you might think, craigslist is a great place to look.

I am having valve body issues with mine I think. A full rebuild was about $5000 when I called Aamco. However I am still driving mine, just driving carefully. Sometimes it will slip in second I am noticing. Yeh needless to say I am terrified of a full failure. I want to tow my sailboat with mine, but I might use my other vehicle for that job for now.

The transmission light could be so many things, one I get is having indicated ATF getting really hot which can happen if the gearbox is quite worn or slipping :| Could be TC clutch, clutch packs but if one is gone the other will also to have been gone. There's also the valve body issue where if you leave it long enough the slush box will wear the box, not great. But also with the flush, the debris in the box is a double edged sword where you won't feel slippage but when you remove it you can start having slippage issues then. I wish you luck as these things are complicated and having to deal with it myself as well so my wallet hurts too :\

Have the 06 V8 XC 90 with 250k. Biggest problem has been repeated fuel pump failure. I too love the Yamaha V8. Should mention I also have a 72 1800e, a 91 940 wagon and a 07 C70 hard top convertible (it needs an engine rebuild - my current Volvo rescue attempt).

Hey if you need help with it still. My friend works at HKS Volvo and can do it for half the price with another set of tranny. He helped me restore my 07 XC90 V8. Lmk

My moms 07 v8 xc90 blew its transmission at 80k miles. It now has 137k and im afraid it will happen again

I hope you didn’t pay for a new transmission. More than likely it is the solenoid‘s in the control body. Also I’d like to hear if you ever found the dipstick in your transmission lol. There is none. I had the same miss hap; after a flush and fill. You can go ahead and rebuild the solenoid‘s. But the control body is about $1000. If you’re willing to do the work it’s worth it. I ended up replacing the control body myself. To save money. The issue is the debris degrades the rubber seals in the solenoids. Like sandpaper the ware causes the closure of the valves to be insufficient. Since transmissions run on a series of fluid flow and pressure. This of course causes the problem. If the valves cannot close properly allowing fluid to leak and pressure becomes insufficient to shift the transmission properly. Waiting for your update video lol

any updates mate?

Hello did you get the xc90 sorted? It’s just that you may find it may just need a new valve body?? It could be worth a shot as you will more than likely be fitting a new Valve body anyway.? It’s not to hard I’m 76 and did mine three months ago. Most of the problems in these autos is in the VB. Cheers from NZ and great vids. 😂👍

Its probably to late, but you could get your cost down a bit buying a new remanufactured transmission from spprecision transmission. They are about 2200 plus core.

Yeah. No good deed goes unpunished.

So was it a flush or a drain/fill? TF80's do not like being flushed, as the valve bodies are extremely sensitive to getting trash in them. When you flush you take all those small pieces of metal and you shove them into the valve body. I'm a Volvo tech, btw.

6:32 Did you use VIDA to turn those inside DRLs on?

xc90 such an unique car yamaha v8 with aisin transmission

volvo ahora de 4 cilindro súper económico

Probably a bad valve body. If the wrong fluid was used it will self destruct. 3309 Mobil or Toyota type IV

I had the same problem. lent me car to my friend, he did too many burnouts :( RIP

Mate, I’ve had my Volvo XC90 2013 and the transmission gave out and, well as the price to rebuild is 6,500 plus parts 1700, it didn’t make sense to rebuild it since the re sell cost will be literally under 10k. Plus you’ve already spend money on it so no matter what you will still sell at a lose since yours is high mileage and 2007. I suggest you sell before you actually lose more money.

Do all volvo xc90 have the same problems with the automatic transmissions? Or is it only V8 and T6?

volvo de 4 cilindro es que son buenos

Get a transmission from the junkyard 80$ if you pull out yourself.. Or use a credit car , personal loan , emergency found ..

I think the transmission flushes is what hurt it the most. If you haven't done regular transmission flushes then doing a flush is a killer for the transmission. Once it's starts behaving poorly your best bet unfortunately is just to ride until it breaks and replace.

I thought that was Roger.

You’re a kind man 🙂…. but…. Papyrus…. really?!

You're a good egg.

New project, put a manuel gearbox in santa .

I’d take up the mantle on this car if you decide not too.

Volvo has not made a good vehicle after the 740😎

Out of my life long experience (a lot of mistakes with cars) = my very first thought: Sell it as it is. If not a neverending loss- story is possible.

just buy a used transmission and ur good

Volvo made one exceptional Car, the 240. I've been a 240(740) Volvo tech for 22 years, and most all of my clients get away for under $300. Since the 850, Volvo builds modern crap just like everyone else. Modern Capitalism can't build the 240, that lasts forever. A $5000 Transmission job? Absurd! Buy an automatic 1988 240; best car ever built.

this is why i don't borrow my car