Freedomline Transmission Question

[Brad & Jacolyn]

Good Morning, I have a Freedomline transmission in my 2004 Volvo 630. Lately it has started being hesitant (definitely slow) while down shifting. Someone mentioned it could be the brake switch. Any ideas what I should be looking for or is it just a trip to a mechanic shop?

Thanks

Brad

[Darryl&Rita]

Never had one, or worked on one, but it seems a stretch to point at the brake switch. To eliminate it, look under the dash, or on the firewall. There should be two, a NO for the brake lights, and a NC for the ECM. Fill the air tanks, disconnect the wires, and apply the brakes. Use a multimeter to verify operation of each switch, paying attention to the NC. More likely, the clutch needs adjusting. I'm basing this on my understanding of auto shift transmissions. The ECM uses engine RPM, road speed, throttle position, boost pressure, and a handful of other parameters to pick a gear position. Nowhere in the list is brake switch.

[Wrknrvr]

I thought this would help?

 

  But I need help?

  Two things that could help with your situation, and I think should be replaced with the age of your truck.
 One is the throttle position sensor. Fairly easy replacement.

 The other would be the speed sensor on the rear of the transmission. Could be easy? Or could be interesting to accomplish?

   Now for my needed help, since I am not a computer person, I hope it will be along today.

[Darryl&Rita]

Freedomline manual from Vern

[lockmup68]

Sorry I missed this when it was posted. I have a freedomline and have figured out things over the years. First, what is your air pressure when this is happening? Check the check valves on the air tanks. (Or I would just replace them, they are cheap) Freedom lines are very sensitive to air pressure and need  over 90 lbs to work properly. 
 

2nd, make sure your shift forks are greased and are moving freely. 
 

3rd, check the fuses. There is an inline fuse at the battery that (at least on mine) that can be exposed to the elements and get corroded a little. I think there is another fuse near the starter too.  
 

check all the connections in the harness on top of the trans. 
 

lastly, and most expensively, there is a voltage converter on top of the trans that converts 12 to 24 volts that can cause intermittent problems before it fails. 

what is the dash display saying? SM for system malfunction? AL for low air? Does it do a proper CH or system check when you first start up? 
 

the manual is really good at listing out the troubleshooting steps. After being in three international dealer shops with no fix, I read the entire manual and diagnosed the check valves as the problem. Went to an independent shop and three check valves later, works great now.

the other issue we finally figured out after a couple of years of intermittent weird electrical problems was a TSB on the wiring harness. It was an overlay replacement (pin for pin replacement vs plug n play) that was a pain, but works great now. 
 

I will say the freedomline tech support guy is great. They are located in Lebanon, TN. Leave them a message and problem and he will get back to you.

HTH,

Shannon 

[Big5er]

Brad,

I know this is an old thread but do you remember the year I had to get towed from the National Rally because the voltage doubler went out?  Mine would just stick in whatever gear it wanted. Turn it off and start again and then it would do it all over again.


Anyway, here is that old thread:

 

Edited December 29, 2024 by Big5er

[lappir]

2 hours ago, Big5er said:

Brad,

I know this is an old thread but do you remember the year I had to get towed from the National Rally because the voltage doubler went out?  Mine would just stick in whatever gear it wanted. Turn it off and start again and then it would do it all over again.


Anyway, here is that old thread:

 

Phil, 

Haven't seen you post for quite a while. Glad to see you back. Hope the Holidays have been good to you so far. 

 

Rod

[Brad & Jacolyn]

Hi Phil. Glad to see you are still around. I had a voltage doubler go out once and this is not acting the same. It appears to work fine it just seems a bit slow down shifting. The biggest problem I have is finding anyone that even knows anything about this transmission so they can work on it.

[Wrknrvr]

   When talk to some about your transmission. Explain to them you have the service manual available.

   If they are a registered business with the state they are in, then the manufacturer should talk them through the technical process.