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lukasschneider67

XC70 Transmission Fault

My 2009 Volvo XC70 diesel has developed a nasty fault. The automatic transmission seems stuck in 'Park'. The engine refuses to start, the check engine light is on, and the gearbox is shifting roughly. A diagnostic tool shows an error related to the transmission control unit. I suspect the control unit is faulty. Anyone else experienced this? I'm looking at a repair bill of around 1000€. Any thoughts on the park brake, shift lock, or the gear shifter itself?

Summary of the thread

A 2009 Volvo XC70 diesel is experiencing a transmission fault where the automatic transmission is stuck in 'Park', the engine won't start, and the check engine light is on. A diagnostic tool indicates an error related to the transmission control unit, leading to suspicion of a faulty control unit. Suggested solutions include checking the transmission fluid level and having the control unit inspected by a workshop, as similar symptoms in another case were resolved by replacing the defective control unit.

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4 comment(s)

siegfriedflame8

That sounds similar to an issue I had with my XC70. Same symptoms – engine wouldn't start, check engine light came on, and the transmission felt like it was fighting me. Did you notice any unusual noises coming from the transmission before this happened, or was it a sudden onset? Have you checked the transmission fluid level recently? It might be worth ruling out the simple things first before replacing the control unit.

lukasschneider67 (community.author)

Thanks for the quick reply! No unusual noises that I can recall, it happened suddenly. I haven't checked the transmission fluid level recently. I didn't think the XC70 had a dipstick for the transmission, and I thought it was sealed for life? Are you suggesting that a low fluid level could cause the 'stuck in park' issue?

siegfriedflame8

I also believed in the 'sealed for life' myth, but it's worth investigating. While low fluid might contribute, the symptoms you're describing, especially with the stored error, do point towards a control unit issue. It sounds very much like the same problem I had. In my case, the garage confirmed the defective control unit, and that was the root cause. Given that you are looking at the same symptoms, I advise you to take it to a workshop to have the control unit checked.

lukasschneider67 (community.author)

Okay, thanks for the advice. Sounds like I'm bracing myself for a hefty bill then! I will take it to the garage to have the control unit checked and let them sort it out! Thanks for sharing your experience, it's been a massive help in preparing me for the worst!

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VOLVO

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XC70