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2006-2007 TF-80SC Automatic Transmission Valve Body Issue & Serial Number Info

180295 Views 600 Replies 109 Participants Last post by  Thommykent, 
R-Pow3R3d
4
I wanted to make a post where I could assemble the assorted things I've found regarding the Aisin TF-80SC Transmission and its valve body problems from MY 2006 to MY 2007. I developed it over in the XC90 forum and it's now ready for "prime time" here in the R forum where it will get more exposure.

Models affected:

2006-2007 Volvo S60R GT
2006-2007 Volvo V70R GT
2006-2007 Volvo XC90 V8 (All Trims)
2007 Volvo XC90 3.2L (All Trims)
2007 Volvo S80 V8 (All Trims)
2007 Volvo S80 3.2L (All Trims)

Transmission Wiki - "It is designed to handle a maximum of 440 N·m (324.5 ft·lbf) of torque."
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The Technical Deficiency:

From this post some details about the problem:
What goes bad in the valve bodies is the bores in which the valves ride. They become worn out and cross leaks occur that no amount of reprogramming can compensate for. The TCM turns solenoids on and off to stroke valves to direct fluid to specific locations inside the transmission. When the valve bores are worn out that control of flow is no longer possible.
Click to expand...
This thread, from user MnOpRacInG, shows a tear down of a failing valve body. The worn bores and valves are clearly visible, as demonstrated in the photos below:


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Here's the TNN regarding the valve body:

(Dated: 11-09-2007)
TNN43-53-2007-11-09 Title: Valve Body: Customer Interest - A/T - Harsh Shifts/False Neutrals/Shift Flare
MODEL/YEAR:
2005- for XC90 V8
2006- for S60R/V70R
2007- for XC90 3.2 & S80

SUBJECT: TF80-SC, 6 Speed Automatic Transmission Fault Tracing Tips
REFERENCE: VIDA, TNN 40-02
Note: This TNN supersedes the previous 43-53, dated 12/21/2006. Information about speed sensor and valve body faults has been added. Please update your files.
This document summarizes customer complaints related to the 6 speed Automatic Transmission (TF80-SC) and should be used together with the information in VIDA.

Valve Body: The Valve Body should be replaced to address the following symptoms:
1. Customer complaints about 2-3 upshift quality. The shift may be described as harsh, or as a shudder. The symptom is usually more apparent during the first few minutes of driving after a cold start.
2. Customer complaints of shudder when slowing down, just before coming to a stop. The symptom may also be described as a harsh downshift just before coming to a stop.
3. Neutral condition in 4th, 5th & 6th gear; normal behavior in 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Reverse. One or more of the following DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) may be present in the TCM (Transmission Control Module): P073400, P073500, P072900, P089600.
4. Neutral condition in all gears except 5th & Reverse, usually with TCM P273300 set. DTCs for gear ratio(s) may also be set such as TCM P073000, P073100, P073200, or P073400.
5. Customer complaints of engine RPM flare at upshift or power-on downshift (kickdown) due to a worn modulator valve bore.

Note: Transmissions starting with serial number 06J and later already have the latest valve body which is designed to prevent these symptoms.
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Documentation:

Aisin-Warner 09G Electronics - Anatomy of shift controls
AW 6 Speeds: Valve Body Diagnosis
Adjusting Clutch Control Valves on Aisin FWD 6-Speeds
Exploded View w/Part #'s - Says for FWD, but I believe it is the same.
Sonnax Valve Body Exploded View w/Part #'s
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Replacement Sources:

Here's the sources I'm aware of for replacement valve bodies:

2006/2007 S60R V70R and 2006/2007 XC90 V8/3.2L Automatic Geartronic Transmission Aisin Warner TF80SC Valve Body Rebuilt or New Replacement:

Volvo 31259456 - New - $1200
2007-2012 Volvo XC90 Automatic Transmission Valve Body 31259456 | TascaParts.com

One Stop Gearbox Shop - New - ~$1,200 Shipped (or $456 - Not sure if this is still valid) (Need to confirm these are the updated design)
www.ebay.co.uk

VOLVO / VAUXHALL / PEUGEOT OEM AF40-TF80SC GEARBOX VALVE BODY TF80S | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VOLVO / VAUXHALL / PEUGEOT OEM AF40-TF80SC GEARBOX VALVE BODY TF80S at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
www.ebay.co.uk

VOLVO, VAUXHALL INSIGNIA OEM AF40-TF80SC GEARBOX VALVE BODY TF80S 31259596 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VOLVO, VAUXHALL INSIGNIA OEM AF40-TF80SC GEARBOX VALVE BODY TF80S 31259596 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk

Cobra Transmission - New - $1,399.99
TF80SC Valve Body-Volvo [IPN8-39740-Volvo] - $1,399.99 | Cobra Transmission
(Note: Per VNDETTA's discussion with Cobra, this is a new and updated Aisin Warner Valve Body without a Volvo sticker on the packaging.)

Ream Man Valve Bodies - Remanufactured - $674.48
Ream Man Valve Bodies. TF80SC

Advantage European Auto Parts (Michigan) - Will Rebuild Your Valve Body - ~$600
Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

RevMax Converters - Rebuilt - $749.00 (NLA?)
TF81 AF21 Ford, Mazda OEM Rebuilt, Updated Valve Body | Revmax

Sonnax - Remanufactured - Pricing Unknown
Remanufactured Valve Body - AW6VF

Before I ordered any of these, I would be absolutely sure to contact the vendor to verify correct fitment for your caR or V8.

The dealer charge for replacing a valve body is 4.1 hours labor.
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Replacement Steps (S60R/V70R):
Thanks Laird for the Walkthrough

"I removed the bumper cover, since that takes 5 minutes, this allows excellent access from below.
Remove air guide, both if you have them.
Remove the tranny coolant lines.
Remove the air-box, fake battery cover and IC to TB tube.
Remove front motor mount bolt (on top of mount)
Remove the pump on the frame rail by removing two bots and the whole bracket.
Put jack-stands under the rear sub-frame brackets and loosened the rear SF bolts.
Floor jack with a block of wood under the engine, bit of tension.
Removed front SF bolts to allow SF to sag out of the way.
Drain fluid (save or measure)
Remove VB cover (clean clean clean)
Take a few pictures, even though it'd be hard to screw up the wiring.
Don't lose the metal lock plate that goes with the top left sensor.
8 bolts (10nm) and you will get a fair amount of fluid when you remove the bottom two bolts and internal cover plate.
Clean tranny surface.
Install (the new one) and ensure that everything is hooked up and tight. Don't forget to get the shift arm and link hooked up on top.
Permatex (gasp) grey RTV $5.99 or the , "pick a manufacturer" RTV re-labeled as VOLVO, $$$$, your choice. Follow the directions. (Editor Note: Personally recommend Volvo Sealant)
Put everything else back together except what's in your way of refilling and wait 24 hours.
Fill and drive.
Smile at yourself in the mirror and/or pat yourself on the back."

Thanks Thommykent for sharing this photo of the connections:
120461


(I would like input on the differences in how the job is done between models.)
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How to find the transmission serial #:

On the R's, the transmission serial number can be found by looking behind the airbox below the intake tube. There's a metal tag on top of the transmission which has the serial number. It looks like this:


There's a similar metal tag on top of the transmission of the V8's. Here's a photo which shows the location. It's taken while standing next to the driver's side wheel well of the XC90:
Image Link Broken

Also, from this post you can find the transmission serial number on V8's by:

"With a good flashlight on a cold engine compartment, stick your head over the near side of the brake fluid reservoir and look straight down.
White sticker with the SN. Just toward the front of the sticker (toward front of car) is the metal plate with the same SN."
Click to expand...
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Serial # Samplings (Model - Production Date - Serial # Prefix):
2008 XC90 V8 Sport - 5/7/2008 - 08B
2008 XC90 V8 - 10/?/2007 - 07E
2007 S60R - 5/?/2007 - 07C
2007 S60R - 5/10/2007 - 07B
2007 XC90 V8 Sport - 4/?/2007 - 07B
2007 S80 V8 - 5/4/2007 - 07A
2007 XC90 V8 - 4/?/2007 - 07A
2007 S60R - 3/?/2007 - 07A
2007 V70R - 3/?/2007 - 07A
2007 XC90 V8 Sport - 3/9/2007 - 06M
2007 V70R - 3/?/2007 - 06M
2007 S80 V8 - 02/?/2007 - 06M
2007 V70R - 2/?/2007 - 06L
2007 V70R - 2/?/2007 - 06L
2007 S60R - 1/?/2007 - 06L
2007 S80 V8 - 1/?/2007 - 06L
2007 S80 V8 - 12/?/2006 - 06K (Canadian)
2007 S60R - 12/15/2006 - 06J
PLEASE, HELP US FILL THIS GAP!
2007 XC90 V8 Sport - 01/03/2007 - 06H
2007 XC90 3.2L - 11/?/2006 - 06H
2007 XC90 V8 - 11/27/2006 - 06G
2007 XC90 V8 Sport - 11/22/2006 - 06G
2007 S60R - 11/?/2006 - 06G
2007 V70R - 11/?/2006 - 06G
2007 XC90 - 10/?/2006 - 06G
2007 S60R - 7/17/2006 - 06G
2007 XC90 V8 - 11/?/2006 - 06F
2007 V70R - 10/?/2006 - 06F
2007 V70R - 8/?/2006 - 06C
2007 XC90 V8 - 6/?/2006 - 06C
2007 S80 V8 - 6/?/2006 - 05M (Sweden)
2007 V70R - "March 2006" - Pre-06J (Waiting on exact info)
2006 S60R - 3/16/2006 - 06A
2006 S60R - 1/24/2006 - 05K
2006 V70R - 10/?/2005 - 05H
2006 V70R - 9/?/2005 - 05G
2006 V70R - 8/?/2005 - 05G

(Please contribute to this record. I'd like to see if we can track down a definitive cutoff date.)
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H
At that point I'd be looking for a wet clutch DCT to drop in... And adapt its mechatronic unit.
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R-Pow3R3d said:
Anyone who has a late-06, 07, or early-08 of any vehicle which has the TF-80SC, I'd really like to add your production date and transmission serial to the list to see if we can track down a cut-off date for the bad valve bodies. Thanks for those I've received so far.
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I was scrolling down to read others' contributions (and slushbrained non-contribution opinions) before doing precisely that:

SR Production date: 1/07 *
Transmission prefix: 06L **

* I've 'forever' believed it to be 1/31/07, but I'm unsure where I'd gotten the day-of-month from; all it says on the B pillar is 1/07
** that's a big part of why I chose this caR, not realizing that late build 07s had been saddled with steel control arms... :mad:

The 06J (from the TNN) means October 2006 (J is the 10th letter...). My 06L means December 2006. So there was a month+ lag between build dates of my transmission and caR. I once checked a 3/[17?]/07 built VR and that seemed to hold true for it also (iirc it was an 07A).

spinall4 said:
My thoughts on the Volvo 6 speed GT auto trans are that it is pretty stout trans.
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I agree; I think the GT is most stout part of the entire caR, not just the drivetrain.

freakstrike said:
The production date of my 07 SR was around March 2006. I've checked the transmission serial and it does not have the updated valve body.
Click to expand...
I did not know that '07s were built so early in 2006. :confused:
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M
SR prod date: 3/07, structure week from vida vehicle details (general attributes): 200712 or 12th week of 2007

trans serial#: 07A3803690
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R-Pow3R3d
Thank you guys for the additions! Keep them coming. For anyone wondering about production date, the easiest source I've found is the vehicle's CarFax report.

4C victim said:
The 06J (from the TNN) means October 2006 (J is the 10th letter...). My 06L means December 2006. So there was a month+ lag between build dates of my transmission and caR. I once checked a 3/[17?]/07 built VR and that seemed to hold true for it also (iirc it was an 07A).
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Some cases that seems to be correct, but others there's a huge difference between the letter and the month of production. In the case of the two 2007 V8s on my list, there's a 4 month difference based on your understanding of the system. Also, to add a bit more weird to it, another 2007 V8 has 06M and M is the 13th letter. Maybe they skipped I? These are all the reasons I want to assemble this list so that we can finally get to the bottom of the question.
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N
So, dealer charges 4.1 hrs for valve body swap, which means I can do it myself it 12, right?

Does anyone know what all is involved? I've done a valve body swap in a GM 4spd Auto from the 80's and it was more or less a drop in. Does the trans have to come off the car to do it? Possible to do this job on jack stands/ramps without a proper lift?
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NorthwestMoose said:
So, dealer charges 4.1 hrs for valve body swap, which means I can do it myself it 12, right?

Does anyone know what all is involved? I've done a valve body swap in a GM 4spd Auto from the 80's and it was more or less a drop in. Does the trans have to come off the car to do it? Possible to do this job on jack stands/ramps without a proper lift?
Click to expand...
Some have done it themselves but I don't think there is a clear step by step write-up for it

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk
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Hounddogger said:
At that point I'd be looking for a wet clutch DCT to drop in... And adapt its mechatronic unit.
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DCT trans looks good on paper, but I'm just not ready to own one yet. If you look at the Upkeep costs on them, it's crazy. The Mitsubishi one is supposed to have the fluid changed like every 10,000 mi and it's only supposed to be the Mitsubishi spec fluid that is crazy expensive. 6 liters, at $335 in just fluid. All of the other units are similar. I will stick with a normal Torque converter automatic trans. The 6 speed unit in the later R's is a pretty nice trans. Plenty of gears, shifts are quick and with the car switched into Advanced on the 4C it will stay in gear longer, and downshift sooner.

It's a far cry from the lazy slow 4 speed auto trans from the 90's.

NorthwestMoose said:
So, dealer charges 4.1 hrs for valve body swap, which means I can do it myself it 12, right?

Does anyone know what all is involved? I've done a valve body swap in a GM 4spd Auto from the 80's and it was more or less a drop in. Does the trans have to come off the car to do it? Possible to do this job on jack stands/ramps without a proper lift?
Click to expand...
I know for sure the trans pan it's self is not in the bottom of the trans like your probably used to. It kinda sits at at a 45 degree angle towards the front of the car. I want to say you have to at least lower the sub frame some to change out the valve body, but can't remember for sure.

It can't be too hard to DIY this VB, I will be doing it my self if mine ever gets bad. I have done a shift kit before on the W4A33 in the DSM, that was not bad at all. Just have to be patient so things don't get broken.
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I have an '07 VR GT, mfr Nov '06, transmission S/N 06G380280
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R-Pow3R3d said:
Thank you guys for the additions! Keep them coming. For anyone wondering about production date, the easiest source I've found is the vehicle's CarFax report.
Click to expand...
Yup, that's there I'd gotten/remembered the exact date from (thanks), but it'd been so long since I'd looked at it that it took me a while to remember/confirm...

R-Pow3R3d said:
Some cases that seems to be correct, but others there's a huge difference between the letter and the month of production. In the case of the two 2007 V8s on my list, there's a 4 month difference based on your understanding of the system. Also, to add a bit more weird to it, another 2007 V8 has 06M and M is the 13th letter. Maybe they skipped I? These are all the reasons I want to assemble this list so that we can finally get to the bottom of the question.
Click to expand...
As long as the "huge difference" didn't "go backwards in time", that just means that transmission production continued while vehicle production lagged, and a stockpile of transmissions had built up... So a 4-month lag (dis)proves nothing.

As for that 06M: while it's true that it only takes one counter-example to disprove any theory, it's also true that people sometimes who know that will reject a valid theory based upon a single anomalous data point. (And sometimes some people -- for eg, Judy Wood -- will do so on purpose, in order to disinform...)

Perhaps Aisin can explain that bakers-dozen "06M"...? (?extra production week squeezd in during the normally-off last week of the year?) An '07 R built in February 2007, if there weRe any, might help establish that that there is no letter between (2006) "L" and (2007) "A", and that that (2006) "M" was some sort of one-time anomaly.

If you/we can find a better explanation, good for you (and for all of us). 'til then (or if we find some backwards-in-time units that were definitely not replacements), I'll be sticking with my YYM 'understanding' to 'decode' the date of the AW SNs, and just scratch my head whenever (if) I (ever) see an "M".

PS: maybe that "M" is a one-time 2006 thang, indicating units that had their VB updated/replaced retroactively, late in 2006, after the unit was first assembled, but before it left the AW factory?
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R-Pow3R3d
4C victim said:


Yup, that's there I'd gotten/remembered the exact date from (thanks), but it'd been so long since I'd looked at it that it took me a while to remember/confirm...

As long as the "huge difference" didn't "go backwards in time", that just means that transmission production continued while vehicle production lagged, and a stockpile of transmissions had built up... So a 4-month lag (dis)proves nothing.

As for that 06M: while it's true that it only takes one counter-example to disprove any theory, it's also true that people sometimes who know that will reject a valid theory based upon a single anomalous data point. (And sometimes some people -- for eg, Judy Wood -- will do so on purpose, in order to disinform...)

Perhaps Aisin can explain that bakers-dozen "06M"...? (?extra production week squeezd in during the normally-off last week of the year?) An '07 R built in February 2007, if there weRe any, might help establish that that there is no letter between (2006) "L" and (2007) "A", and that that (2006) "M" was some sort of one-time anomaly.

If you/we can find a better explanation, good for you (and for all of us). 'til then (or if we find some backwards-in-time units that were definitely not replacements), I'll be sticking with my YYM 'understanding' to 'decode' the date of the AW SNs, and just scratch my head whenever (if) I (ever) see an "M".

PS: maybe that "M" is a one-time 2006 thang, indicating units that had their VB updated/replaced retroactively, late in 2006, after the unit was first assembled, but before it left the AW factory?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I'm definitely not trying to disprove your theory. If anything, I'm trying to prove your theory...or any theory. I just want to know the answer. LOL

I suspect what you've presented is accurate. My real goal is to just keep collecting and collecting data points until we finally prove out the answer.

My other goal is to (finally) bring this issue and its overwhelming reach to light. Years ago I thought this was just a few early R's and that I got unlucky. I also previously believed this was just an issue that could "possibly" affect a vehicle before 06J. Years later (and MANY threads read) I've realized this issue affected every unit within multiple model lines for multiple years. There's a lot of vehicles that will, at some point in their life, be affected by this. There's a reason several shops have set themselves up to rebuild and update these units. They've realized the scope and now, we finally are realizing it as well.

Thanks again to all who have submitted data points and KEEP THEM COMING!
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CKAVolvo
R-Pow3R3d said:
Yeah, I'm definitely not trying to disprove your theory. If anything, I'm trying to prove your theory...or any theory. I just want to know the answer. LOL

I suspect what you've presented is accurate. My real goal is to just keep collecting and collecting data points until we finally prove out the answer.

My other goal is to (finally) bring this issue and its overwhelming reach to light. Years ago I thought this was just a few early R's and that I got unlucky. I also previously believed this was just an issue that could "possibly" affect a vehicle before 06J. Years later (and MANY threads read) I've realized this issue affected every unit within multiple model lines for multiple years. There's a lot of vehicles that will, at some point in their life, be affected by this. There's a reason several shops have set themselves up to rebuild and update these units. They've realized the scope and now, we finally are realizing it as well.

Thanks again to all who have submitted data points and KEEP THEM COMING!
Click to expand...
I would be very interested to know the shops that update these. Been looking for a specialty custom shop.

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H
06 VR here. Manufactured 8/05. Trans is 05G. It has the first symptom of the TNN. It's a flare that really feels like another normal upshift. I like to think I got the rare 7 speed version. ;)

A full fluid change didn't make much of a difference either.
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F
Can the valve body issue cause damage to the transmission or any other component over time, or is it pretty much a benign issue that just affects how the car drives?
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MvI_S60R
freakstrike said:
Can the valve body issue cause damage to the transmission or any other component over time, or is it pretty much a benign issue that just affects how the car drives?
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I wouldn't think... I am absolutely no transmission expert but valve body issues can come by crap gumming up on the valve ways and restricts fluid flow. Unless something comes loose, clutch packs and such shouldnt be affected
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My 07 SR was manufactured 17 July 2006. It was delivered to the buyer 19 January 2007. The TF-SC80 begins with 06G.
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R-Pow3R3d
MvI_S60R said:
I wouldn't think... I am absolutely no transmission expert but valve body issues can come by crap gumming up on the valve ways and restricts fluid flow. Unless something comes loose, clutch packs and such shouldnt be affected
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I think I would disagree, but I'm just as much an expert. LOL This problem causes flared shifts, harsh shifts, slamming shifts, neutral conditions which resolve themselves with slamming into gear. I've got to think that takes a toll on the internals of the transmission. It's certainly not operating correctly. I suspect running these with this problem into the period of time where shifts start to get real severe and not replacing the valve body would do internal transmission damage. Once again, though, I'm definitely no expert.
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MvI_S60R
Yea the actual action of the hard shifts and slams would take its toll, didn't think about that lol
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A
For this being such a common issue it would seem like there would be more affordable options for rebuilt valve bodies.
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The Driver
Option #2
There is a VERY advanced method of flushing the Germans use but I don't know if it's state side. They actually run the car on a dyno and have a machine that injects and extracts the fluid as the vehicle is moving under load. It's very wild stuff and works extremely well, it's supposed to prevent all the horrors that come with a normal power flush machine.

Personally if you have under 80k, drain an fill 3-4 times then repeat one cycle every 10k and your fine. I've learned from my Xc70 (Aw55) how to properly prevent this awful thing from happening. The trans was definitely slapping gears at 65k, once I did a full 12 quart drain an fill it worked it's way out completely by 70k. I have had zero issue's since then, I did another drain an fill at 85k (A simple 3 quart replace) and the fluid was almost perfect. Again now at almost 100k, I'm going to do it again and keep repeating the process. 20$ and 1 hour of my time + a small mess is worth it to stop a MASSIVE failure.

I have the never had valve body replaced... ;)

EDIT! The Tim Eckhart Method.
www.automatic-transmission-fluid-exchange.com

I FOUND IT! ON AN S60 LOL!

Here are the original video's!

I think it's just the english version.
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R-Pow3R3d
That's great info and would, no doubt, do an excellent job of maintaining an otherwise fully-functional transmission (AW55). However, in the case of the TF-80SC before 06J, this cannot prevent and eliminate the issue because the issue is not fluid related. The issue is that the valve body was designed incorrectly. I suspect this may help to extend the life of the valve body, but it won't correct the problem.
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