Vibrations @55-80mph

Faults and Technical chat for the Volvo XC40
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Kipper
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue May 21, 2019 7:47 pm

Post by Kipper »

Interesting curznvin, as I understand it ProMo-T3 has a Momentum Pro T3. Here in the UK, the T3 is a manual, perhaps you can ask your field tech where the torque converter is on a manual gearbox.

I have done a bit of a study on who is affected, and who is not, at least on this forum, and there seems to be no pattern, it is across the model and engine spectrum and in at least four markets (i.e. Countries). The sample is very small but enough to indicate the problem exists and really only Volvo will have the logistical data to track it down. I am patient and really like the car otherwise, but my patience has its limits.

I am investigating the symptoms with the help of a nephew who specialises in vehicle dynamics, he is overseas at the moment, so exchange of data can be somewhat slow. I will pass on any thoughts and ideas so you can press you local dealers for ideas.
XC40 T4 Inscription Pro / Luminous Sand / Blond

Kipper
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue May 21, 2019 7:47 pm

Post by Kipper »

Slight amendment to my last, the T3 can indeed be an auto, I think I confused it with the fact than only the T3 can be had as a (Petrol) manual. However, other forums seem to have identified the fact that Volvo are aware of the issue and have a service investigation procedure for it. If not a solution.
XC40 T4 Inscription Pro / Luminous Sand / Blond
ChrisLF
Posts: 1346
Joined: Wed Apr 24, 2019 8:21 am
Location: Heart of England

Post by ChrisLF »

The specific auto box wouldn't be unique to the XC40 would it, well certainly the internals, and you would have though that issues would have arisen in other models and other manufacturers cars? I'm assuming they come from an outside supplier.

As we know torque converters are a tried and tested auto and it would be surprising if that in the XC40 was the root of the vibrations.

Chris
2023 B4 Plus Dark FWD in Silver Dawn. Tinted Rear Windows. Spare Wheel & Tow Bar dealer fitted.

Gone - 2019 T4 R-Design FWD in Bursting Blue. Winter & Convenience Packs, Power Seat, Front Park Assist, Rear Camera, Spare Wheel & Tow Bar.
Kipper
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue May 21, 2019 7:47 pm

Post by Kipper »

That's the whole puzzling problem. There seems to be no obvious pattern, different countries, different models, different engines. There seems to be no common link. Added to which there was no observation made by the motoring press in the numerous youtube clips I watched before I picked mine up. And you can bet your bottom dollar they would have mentioned it had they observed such effects.

I would make sure that your supplier is aware that you are aware of this problem and to make sure your XC40 is free of vibration before you part with any money, that usually concentrates the mind in finding a solution.

Other than that it is a superb vehicle, smooth and plenty of power. Let us know if it is free or otherwise from the vibration, more observations make a solution easier to find.
XC40 T4 Inscription Pro / Luminous Sand / Blond
cuznvin
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 09, 2019 12:10 am

Post by cuznvin »

They wont follow the service bulletin because the field tech said the vibration is normal. I told him well thats a crappy thing for a luxury vehicle.
Kipper
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue May 21, 2019 7:47 pm

Post by Kipper »

cuznvin,
In the past whenever I have had an issue with a product or service, I often find perseverance is the best way to proceed. Quite often a business will try and put you off with excuses which are clearly rubbish. Keep going and move up to a level of management where someone will agree to help you. The tricky bit is knowing who that person is.

I am in my 60's and started driving when I was 17, of all the vehicles I have driven I have never experienced such vibration. From my own experience the vibration is not normal and you should not have to put up with it. Whats more, until such time that the source is identified, the increase in wear and possible damage it may cause, cannot be ignored and thus may be a safety issue. If it was normal, it would be on all vehicles and it is not.

My local dealer is contacting Volvo UK for advice, I was fortunate in that the test car that the technician tried when I reported the vibration in mine, also had the vibration present. I will let you know what progress I make with the investigation. I fancy it may take some time.

Kipper
XC40 T4 Inscription Pro / Luminous Sand / Blond
cuznvin
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 09, 2019 12:10 am

Post by cuznvin »

I appreciate that! I am 57 and pretty much the same boat as you
Elvo57
Posts: 39
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2019 5:14 pm

Post by Elvo57 »

More inconsistencies….

Wheels swapped with an identical model but with 3,000 more miles on the clock. Drove them back to back with the engineer driving (fault more noticeable in the passenger seat) and the resonance noise stayed with our car. The donor car with our wheels fitted was noticeably better (but still not perfect), hence the mechanic has ruled out wheels/tyres. This he reported back to Volvo and argued with them that the road force balancing (mandated on the 11 point check) would be a waste of time.

End of last week we had the front drive shafts swapped with a new car (destined to be a demonstrator) This was Volvo’s next step in their investigation.

The loan car was an XC40 Momentum FWD, D3 Manual on 18” wheels. The resonance/thrumming noise was still evident in this vehicle, but to a lesser extent (let’s say 1/3 as bad as ours). Our previous loan car was an XC60, D4 R-Design with air suspension and 21” wheels. Overall generally much quieter but spoilt with tyre noise (21” wheels?), clunking suspension over minor bumps (air suspension?) and more wind noise than the XC40 from 60mph (mirrors?). The resonance noise was also there but very distant in the background and had to be really searched for… otherwise it would probably have gone unnoticed.

The new drive shafts made absolutely no difference to the resonance and vibration (just as bad). Technician is now reporting this back to Volvo.

In answer to ChrisLF’s observation on the gear box… the original salesman said that the engines and gearboxes were not shared with any other manufacturer!

XC40 | First Edition | D4 AWD | Bursting Blue | 19" Continental Premium Contact 6 tyres | Ordered 14/03/18 | Delivered 11th October 2018 | UK.
cuznvin
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu May 09, 2019 12:10 am

Post by cuznvin »

From another forum
The automatic transmission on the XC40 is made by Aisin and is used in many different brands such as BMW, Mini, Landrover, Lexus and Toyota. It may have a Volvo Part number but not a unique transmission - may have programming unique to Volvo however.

See this link - it shows all the different applications the XC40 (Aisin TG-81SC) Transmission is used in:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AWF8F35
Kipper
Posts: 45
Joined: Tue May 21, 2019 7:47 pm

Post by Kipper »

cuznvin

There is a very good explanation on YouTube of the 8 speed auto, I say good but I got lost after the intro! As you say, it is an Aisin Transmission also found on several vehicles. Although the software may be different, my experience of software is that if one vehicle is affected, then they all will be.
At least my garage acknowledged the fault and are investigating a demo vehicle they have to save having to investigate using mine.

I fear patience will be required.

Kipper
XC40 T4 Inscription Pro / Luminous Sand / Blond
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