Any issue, even a faulty thermostat, can cause gearbox problems. The diesel engines have a habit of throwing gearbox faults when the injector wiring is faulty, it normally means poor performance too, but not always. We offer an EDT flush now, which will remove 97% of the oil and also put a cleaning agent through the box.Ĭheck your software is up to date, there have been at least two updates from Volvo since this gearbox was first introduced.Ĭheck there are no other issues in the system such as worn ABS rings or loose driveshaft bolts. If you start to experience issues it’s best to check the basics first.Ĭhange the gearbox oil, use the correct JWS3309 approved oil, such as Castrol Transmax or the Q8 equivalent which we now use. As a result treatments such as Lucas Oils (which work well on auto gearboxes with worn friction surfaces) tend not be be as effective.Įven so, the usual practises still apply. The TF80 gearbox seems less prone to wear on the friction surfaces than the earlier box, maybe because it has an extra gear. So, unless the fluid is changed at around 50,000 miles, it will cause issues in the auto gearbox. However, when it gets very hot, it can break down over a period of time and become less effective. The fluid used in these gearboxes is very high quality. Volvo and their insistence that the gearbox is sealed for life strikes again… For some unknown reason, possibly to appease leasing companies and reducing servicing costs, Volvo do not include an automatic fluid change on this gearbox (or the old one) claiming the gearbox is sealed for life unless the vehicle is used as a taxi or for heavy towing. They can be so bad that the gearbox feels totally beyond repair, although this is not usually the case.

If you start to experience harsh shifting, slipping in gear (or flaring) nine times out of ten, this is a valve body issue. When TF 80’s go wrong they often become undriveable quite quickly and there are several things that can go wrong. This gearbox is a bit more reliable than the former, but has several issues that can cause similar symptoms to the older box.

It was very successful and many have asked for more information regarding the newer TF80 SC box fitted to cars from 2006 onwards. About three years ago I wrote a blog about the earlier Aisin Warner aw50/55 Auto gearbox used in the larger 5 cylinder petrol and diesel engines fitted from 1999 until 2005.

Aisin tf-80sc reviews