it makes no sense to say be careful with pre-2002
S80's, that just shows you don't have a good grasp of the cars we are
discussing here. I drive my 2000 S80 T-6 really hard under pretty adverse
conditions, most would accuse me of "thrashing" it, and yet it's the most
reliable car I've ever owned. Bar none.
Spanky
---------------snip---------------------------------
am very encouraged by the news that a transmission control software
upgrade is now available and I am very thankful for the efforts made
by Trygve and others who have diligently worked behind the scenes to
get Volvo management to behave in a responsible manner.
This experience has pointed to the importance of Volvospy, as I have
been made aware that many Volvo employees from the assembly line to
senior management read our posts. I am hopeful that some of the
misguided and irresponsible supervisory management of PAG and its
Parent Company - The Ford Motor Company also read it. My message to
those members of FMC management, who have imposed cost and other
management controls in Goteborg is to wake up an allow Volvo to
maintain the high standards that we expect from Volvo Personvagnar AB.
We are the owners of Volvo cars built on Volvo premium car platforms.
The problem to which this thread refers commenced in September 2001
and I know that it is those cost and management controls imposed that
are at the core of this drawn out saga.
Not all Volvo owners will continue to support the Brand at the premium
end of the production spectrum if this cost induced behavour
continues.
I received contact today from the owner of a 2003 S80T6 in my market
of Sydney Australia. A third party had directed him to this Volvospy
Forum. He has owned his car for less than a year and had an intention
to sell it, given what he considered to be an unsafe hesitation
pattern in the transmission when in a power demand situation and for
the fact that nobody has been able to help him resolve it. After
purchasing it from the Alto organisation in Sydney his various
complaints have continued to be dismissed by his Dealer and Volvo
Australia. His experience with the Volvo Australia organisation has
been the same as mine. I am totally appalled by the organisation and
the performance of its new CEO who I understand comes from a finance
industry background. I note good people are commencing to leave that
organisation and sales have continued to decline in real terms. I was
pleased to be able to tell the owner that contacted me that new
software had been released today.
I will comment further on the transmission when I receive the upgrade
and have sufficient time to test it. It is my recommendation that we
should place, on record concerns with our dealers, that the harsh
transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd may have caused damage. I also
recommend that the engine output power and torque is tested for post
September 2001 produced cars with new block, VVT, turbos and throttle
body etc. I have owned both pre and post September 2001 produced cars
and I know there is a noticeable difference despite what is published
and I am not just refering to full torque arriving at lower revs.
Ian
posted Mar 12 14:32
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In terms of compensation it would be interesting to know Volvo's
interpretation for compensation, as basically we have bought cars and
have not been able to enjoy them in full in relation to the
expectations and price we paid for these cars.
As Steve mentions, if it were not to volvospy we would have been left
out in the cold and none the wiser as the dealer and the HQ have both
consistently denied that there is a problem!
Trygve
posted Mar 12 16:25
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The 2002 model year R6 engines with automatic transmission, and other
non turbo cars have to wait a couple of week more before their
software update will be released. I tried today to get my S80T6
updated, but the VADIS told us that it had the most current software.
I know another release is in progress.... have patience!
Trygve
doublel
posted Mar 12 17:31
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Another BIG BIG Thank You to both Steve & Trygve for all there efforts
on this. I must say Steve I agree that the harsh transmission shifts
from 1st to 2nd may have caused damage. I felt that way all along and
I have little doubt that I will not keep this vehicle beyond the
warranty period to be on the safe side.
I will report my findings/satisfaction over on Swedespeed after I get
to drive with the upgrade this weekend. (It's being applied today at
my dealership). Best Regards to all !
