XC90 Transmission Problems

[TIMONLINE]

I'm looking to buy a 2006 XC D5 auto from a friend and she reports that the transmission clunks when changing into reverse and sometimes when changing into drive and also occasionally jumps slightly when driving. Is this likely to be serious?

[t5 stealth]

personally i would check the gearbox level,
check that its around the max line,
also check the quality of the gearbox oil, ie is it black and nasty or clean red etc,
the other thing to check would be the gearbox mounts,just check theres no excessive movement,

[LeeT5]

Assuming you don't know how to check Transmission oil.... and elaborating on T5stealths reply, you first need to make sure the transmission has been cycled. By this is mean, Sit in the car, engine on. Keep your foot on the brake and just select each gear in turn keeping it in each gear for about 5 seconds. Do this through the whole range...P, N, D, 1, 2, 3.........then back up to park again. Repeat about 5 times finishing in P. Exit vehicle leaving engine to idle for 5 minutes. Open bonnet (do not switch off engine). Get clean lint free rag and remove the transmission dipstick (careful not to drip oil on the bodywork or engine). Ignore readng and just wipe clean. Note the cold/Hot marks.
If the transmission is cold then when you pull out the dipstick you wanna see the oil level on the cold mark and the if transmission is hot (after about 30 minutes driving) then it wants to be on the Hot mark. The oil should be clear and Dark red in colour and must not smell burnt.

Remember, engine must be running when you check transmission oil. If it smells burnt - walk away. If it is low on oil or too high, this will cause the symptoms you are getting. If it is just dirty then it will need a transmission flush so you can factor this in to your negotiating skills when bartering the price. If your not happy with the above then for christ sake take someone with you who knows what their doing.

A new gearbox for an XC70 is about £2500.

Good luck.