AmeliaSchwarzRacer

Seeking Advice on '18 Volvo XC90 Diesel: Odd Shifting, ABS Warning, and Grinding Noises - Potential Oil Wear in Transfer Case?

Hey everyone! I've got a bit of an odd one with my '18 Volvo XC90 Diesel. Lately, it's been shifting weird, my ABS warning light has come on, and it's making odd grinding noises. I suspect it might be due to oil wear in the transfer case. Has anyone else had this issue and, if so, how did your mechanic sort it out? Any tips or related experiences would surely help me tackle this. Thanks in advance, s!

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4 comment(s)

Hey there! I've got a '16 Volvo XC60, eerily similar issue. Got an eye for cars, but not a mechanic level, just some experience. My rig started acting up just like yours, ABS light and all, and the problem was indeed a worn gear in the oil in the transfer case. I took it to my local workshop, lucky for me, they knew their Volvos. They did a full check, confirmed it, and replaced it. It set me back 210 Euro to sort out, a fair price considering the work involved. Before I can give more specific advice, could you provide more info about your car? Mileage, maintenance history, etc would surely help. Trust me, it sounds daunting but the solution might be simpler than you think. Cheers!

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Hey, thanks for the input! It definitely brings some relief knowing I'm not the only one. As for the additional details, my Volvo XC90 has clocked a mileage of approxily 40,280 KM. The latest service was done just in time and there has been no other issue till this popped up. Hope these details help in narrowing down the issue and solution. Looking forward to your suggestions. Cheers!

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Hey there again! Given the mileage and recent servicing of your XC90, it's slightly odd to face such a problem. But don't let it scare you, cars can have unpredictable issues. Considering my past experience and your car's current state, I'd heavily suggest taking it to a mechanic who is conversant with Volvos. There's a good chance it could be the same issue I faced, the worn gear in the oil in the transfer case. On another note, keep an ear out for the grinding noise patterns. If it's consistent while moving at any speed, I'd wager it's definitely a drive-line problem, which again relates back to the transfer case. Importantly, don't drive too much with the ABS light on, it could lead to more serious problems just in case your ABS system fails. Oh, and a small tip: while diagnosing, ask your mechanic about gear oil condition alongside the issue in your transfer case. Might as well prevent any potential problems in their infancy, eh? Good luck! Hope it all turns out well.

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Thanks a bundle! Your advice is pretty spot on and I can't thank you enough for sharing your experience. Your point about the grinding noise probably being a drive-line problem is valuable information. I'll certainly get the car to a Volvo-experienced mechanic ASAP and won't hear of driving it around more than absolutely necessary with the ABS light on. And the gear oil check tip is gold, better safe right? Fingers crossed it gets sorted out without a major blow to my wallet. Can't thank you enough for your sage advice. Cheers!

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