That problem seemed to get better after cleaning all the contacts on the transmissions. Took apart the wiring harnesses that go to the transmissions and cleaned them all. Not a problem now. Still with the RPM issue. I was just on boatdiesel and was given a wiring diagram of a 3 wire bypass that should be done to resolve this issue. I will try to upload a photo of the notice. I can always email it to you. I’m really afraid to cut these wires!
Volvo Penta TAMD74 P-B Engine Owners, 480 hp diesel
- Thread starter Divergirl
- Start date
Just posted in another thread about cleaning the solenoid screen and solving my delayed forward on the port. The ZF's call for 30w and when we serviced the Transmissions in the beginning of the season, what came out was not 30w, wondering if it was synthetic, because when we pulled the solenoids before we serviced the transmissions the solenoid screen were clean, now less than 60 hours the forward solenoid comes out clogged and the reverse came out clean. Any insight from Diver or JaZZ???
Divergirl
Member
The port not going in forward for me, seems to have been a result of a leak in the oil cooler and there was a lot of tiny little metal shavings. Boat guys think it was a result of the tranny rebuild in 2014. Oil cooler was replaced...all cleaned...all new oil and port ran fine this past Sat....HOWEVER, SB went into limp mode twice...once at the dock as I was preparing to depart, and ten mins out. Then it was fine.
Botjem my transmission delay seemed to be due to dirty contacts at the Y connector from the transmission to the main harness. Also try replacing the potentiometers and definitely recalibrate the controls. Can’t explain why one solenoid was clean and the other clogged. What was it clogged with? Hope not an internal transmission issue. Divergirl, this limp mode is annoying to someone on my dock too. Sometimes yes sometimes no. Can’t anyone at Formula help with this issue?? Seems like everyone with the Volvo’s has a similar issue.
a grey muck and a few metal shavings, but very few. Guess I won't use forward on the port engine anymore. Mechanic did not feel it was an issue, but then again he gets paid to fix things, LOL. I will keep an EYE on it - already brought down three 1 1/4 wrenches and a deep socket.
So guess what! I took the boat out today for a nice ride. The engines ran great, no hesitation, no stalling, a perfect ride. That’s until I tried to dock the boat and my port engine wouldn’t go into forward gear! I was able to shift it in and out of gear until it stayed in and was able to dock the boat. The delay had to be at least eight seconds. During the ride there was no hesitation, slipping of the transmission or any other sign Of transmission issues. I turn the boat off to do some other work and then decided to try it again at the dock. The port transmission would not engage for around eight seconds. I thought I had this shifting issue resolved. Don’t know what else to try at this point. I’m going to try to upload a service bulletin that I found on boatdiesel.com. I hope you can see it let me know if anyone had this done. Thanks. 
Sorry about that. I can email it to you if you pm me your email address. I’m trying to find the rest of the pages for the notice. Non of the sites has the whole recall notice. Only the page shown. It’s recall group 37-1 number 6 version 4. This is page 2 of 4. I would like to see the whole thing.
If you go to the Volvo web site and enter your engine serial numbers it will tell you the recall information. Volvo still will pay for the updates to install the EDC amplifier to you boat. I know this problem seems widespread but it's not, in my area there are hundreds of boats with Volvo second generation TAMD engines and very few experience this problem, I have never had the problem, except for dirty solenoid contact's. I use a independent authorized Volvo service, they make sure the transmissions are fully serviced, solenoids cleaned, remove and clean oil filter screen, clean all 4 spool valves. The transmission service is very important to eliminate the hesitation and not engaging issues, it's important to determine if the problem is caused by the electronic EDC or a product of the transmissions being dirty.
Hi overboard. The Volvo website states that the recalls were ready done on my engines. I don’t know why this problem is still happening. I have to check to see whether the recall was done on the wiring harness that was pictured above. I have to see if the wires were spliced. Where do you boat? I can’t find a reputable volvo mechanic in my area.
Someone on boatdiesel sent me this info. May be important for our issues. Let me know what you think.
Sorry, I failed to find the complete bulletin.
Look up boat diesel topic 59218 for more detail.
I have copied a good post from “Escada” here.
Escada writes:
“Volvo have lounched a service bulletin for fixing unintendent gear shifts on TAMD74/75. Unfortunately, Im not able to attache the proper link to give you the complete service bulletin here.
If the bulletin is of interrest, I can try to send it directly to you on email or similar? Please let me know.
AB Volvo Penta
RECALL: TAMD74 EDC and TAMD75EDC
Service Support Distr. 089
Issued by
42700 Rune Lemb?ck
Date 05-06-29
Replaces
Insert 7.3.76
Page No. 1
Description:
1) Volvo Penta have received several reports of unintended gearshifts and fluctuating engine rpm with gear engaged. The root cause is found to be that some 8 pole connectors, have a poor contact at the throttle/gear signal on the engine side, pin no. 2 (green/yellow wire at engine side), pin no.3 (green/orange wire at engine side) and pin no. 4 (green/black wire at engine side). This in combination with engine vibrations and temperature differences (cold and hot engine), have resulted in an unintended shift or fluctuating engine rpm on specified engine types. To make sure that this will not happen, the specified 8 pole connector will be by-passed at pin no.2, pin no.3 and pin no.4. Note: Only the 8 pole connector on the engine with mentioned colors is concerned. No other 8 pole connector is concerned.
2) Volvo Penta have also found that engines run at idle speed for a long time, could stall. This due to vibrations at the stop relay. To cure this, a piece of foam is installed at the relay box cover.
All delivered engines of the following specifications: TAMD74C spec. no. 868869, 868874, 3999879 and 3999981. TAMD74L spec. no. 868860 and 868875.
TAMD74P spec. no. 868821 ,868873 and 3999543. TAMD75P spec. no. 869196 and 3998081.
The reconnection cannot be introduced in production, it has to be performed during installation of the products.
All
See enclosed Service Bulletin 37-1 no. 6
Order through the parts system using regular parts order routines: 1 pcs campaign kit/engine pno.3883435 – avvailable in Gent week 529
See the service bulletin for the special plier needed.
Labour:
Flate Rate Code: 11111 Hr: 0,5
Travel reimbursed for leisure and com. use acc. to com. policy.
Warranty type 54 Function group 3711 Failed part 000874183Reason code 09”
Sorry, I failed to find the complete bulletin.
Look up boat diesel topic 59218 for more detail.
I have copied a good post from “Escada” here.
Escada writes:
“Volvo have lounched a service bulletin for fixing unintendent gear shifts on TAMD74/75. Unfortunately, Im not able to attache the proper link to give you the complete service bulletin here.
If the bulletin is of interrest, I can try to send it directly to you on email or similar? Please let me know.
AB Volvo Penta
RECALL: TAMD74 EDC and TAMD75EDC
Service Support Distr. 089
Issued by
42700 Rune Lemb?ck
Date 05-06-29
Replaces
Insert 7.3.76
Page No. 1
Description:
1) Volvo Penta have received several reports of unintended gearshifts and fluctuating engine rpm with gear engaged. The root cause is found to be that some 8 pole connectors, have a poor contact at the throttle/gear signal on the engine side, pin no. 2 (green/yellow wire at engine side), pin no.3 (green/orange wire at engine side) and pin no. 4 (green/black wire at engine side). This in combination with engine vibrations and temperature differences (cold and hot engine), have resulted in an unintended shift or fluctuating engine rpm on specified engine types. To make sure that this will not happen, the specified 8 pole connector will be by-passed at pin no.2, pin no.3 and pin no.4. Note: Only the 8 pole connector on the engine with mentioned colors is concerned. No other 8 pole connector is concerned.
2) Volvo Penta have also found that engines run at idle speed for a long time, could stall. This due to vibrations at the stop relay. To cure this, a piece of foam is installed at the relay box cover.
All delivered engines of the following specifications: TAMD74C spec. no. 868869, 868874, 3999879 and 3999981. TAMD74L spec. no. 868860 and 868875.
TAMD74P spec. no. 868821 ,868873 and 3999543. TAMD75P spec. no. 869196 and 3998081.
The reconnection cannot be introduced in production, it has to be performed during installation of the products.
All
See enclosed Service Bulletin 37-1 no. 6
Order through the parts system using regular parts order routines: 1 pcs campaign kit/engine pno.3883435 – avvailable in Gent week 529
See the service bulletin for the special plier needed.
Labour:
Flate Rate Code: 11111 Hr: 0,5
Travel reimbursed for leisure and com. use acc. to com. policy.
Warranty type 54 Function group 3711 Failed part 000874183Reason code 09”
Divergirl
Member
Hi All,
The engine putting itself into gear while in neutral (SB only) seems to have been resolved with the installation of that black box kit, which was issued in 2015. The port issue of not engaging in forward seems to have been resolved with a new oil cooler. I have not been out for 3 weeks and so I do not know if the limp mode issue is still existent (SB). If you recall, it happened twice that day...once at my dock and once about 10 mins out but was fine for the rest of the day. Hopefully is was a leftover gremlin and that gremlin has moved on! Wouldn't that be super duper great?
The engine putting itself into gear while in neutral (SB only) seems to have been resolved with the installation of that black box kit, which was issued in 2015. The port issue of not engaging in forward seems to have been resolved with a new oil cooler. I have not been out for 3 weeks and so I do not know if the limp mode issue is still existent (SB). If you recall, it happened twice that day...once at my dock and once about 10 mins out but was fine for the rest of the day. Hopefully is was a leftover gremlin and that gremlin has moved on! Wouldn't that be super duper great?
I’m glad the oil cooler solved the engagement issue. Did you know the oil cooler was the issue by seeing a visible leak? Still dealing with a delay occasionally but it only happens when the boat is warmed up after a ride. Doesn’t happen when the boat is cool. Let us know what happens!
Great thread. Although not a Formula I do have a question for everyone. Looking at a boat that is heavily discounted. Here is the story.
Never had Volvos before and have a few questions. I'm considering purchasing a boat with twin TAMD75 with 550hrs. Upon the last ride of the season the following occurred as described by the owner which I will paste below. The boat is discounted heavily. Here are his comments and so far he has been very forthcoming with any issues with the boat, etc.
A few weeks ago I took the boat out and the starboard EDC (Volvo’s electronic transmission control) started to act up. Boat ran up to almost on plane, then went into neutral. Turned around and went back in. Starboard forward was disengaged. I only had reverse. This may be anything from a loose connection to possible needing a trans overhaul. I am almost certain it’s something electronic. I’ve dropped the prices considerably to move the boat on.
I have conducted a little research and have found that the 06/04 TAMD74/75 gear shift (including: 4380-2125,-2132, 4877-1676) recall/service was not performed.
Could this be the resolution for the issue??
Spoke to Volvo dealer as well, the ECM is "order able" but on backorder with no release date and no updated pricing. This could be a huge mess if I buy a boat that needs a part that is not available.
Never had Volvos before and have a few questions. I'm considering purchasing a boat with twin TAMD75 with 550hrs. Upon the last ride of the season the following occurred as described by the owner which I will paste below. The boat is discounted heavily. Here are his comments and so far he has been very forthcoming with any issues with the boat, etc.
A few weeks ago I took the boat out and the starboard EDC (Volvo’s electronic transmission control) started to act up. Boat ran up to almost on plane, then went into neutral. Turned around and went back in. Starboard forward was disengaged. I only had reverse. This may be anything from a loose connection to possible needing a trans overhaul. I am almost certain it’s something electronic. I’ve dropped the prices considerably to move the boat on.
I have conducted a little research and have found that the 06/04 TAMD74/75 gear shift (including: 4380-2125,-2132, 4877-1676) recall/service was not performed.
Could this be the resolution for the issue??
Spoke to Volvo dealer as well, the ECM is "order able" but on backorder with no release date and no updated pricing. This could be a huge mess if I buy a boat that needs a part that is not available.
Last edited:
Seanile, as we have seen there could be a million little things causing this issue or one big issue. We don’t really have all the info. Did he check the EDC for fault codes. He may have been able to momentarily resolve this by turning to engine off and restarting. Yes can be a loose connection or wiring issue. We know just a slight drop on voltage can cause these issues. The recall definitely needs to be done. I wouldn’t touch this boat unless the tranny is checked out fully. Most of us have these electronic gremlins that are yet to be completely resolved! Get further info before proceeding. Keep us updated. Good luck.
More info.....still unsure of my decision. Seems like a relatively new problem but not an isolated incident. Here's the updated info,
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Took the boat out many times this summer. She ran great. Summer prior (2018) I had a very high powered stereo hooked up to my 2 starter batteries in my 2003 Regal 4260 Express. My port side would go dead and I'd only have starboard to dock the boat. No forward, no reverse. I discovered one of the 3 breakers in the control box mounted on the side of the engine would pop. I'd push it back in and the controls would start working again. Ultimately, I replaced the breaker and port side has run flawlessly. Fast forward to summer of 2019. Startboard side starts acting up. Nothing at all in forward. Reverse was perfect. I suspect stereo hooked to engine batteries was interfering with EDC's. Pulled stereo off batteries, take her for a run, she runs perfectly. Summer of 2020; all is great until October when I take her for a run. She would pull hard until almost on plane, then just drop into neutral. Engine would rev, but no forward thrust. Reverse is perfect. Oil sample shows 358ppm for copper, 98ppm for aluminum, which Wix says is abnormal. Not severe which is their worst grade. I'm not sure if when the engine was pulling onto plane, then went into neutral and just revved, did it slip the clutch by possibly the solenoid being partially open and increased the level of copper? I'm trying to figure out if I have an electrical problem and or if the trans is in need of a rebuild. I swapped solenoid from forward to reverse on trans and nothing changed. Figured if seloniod was bad, I'h have no reverse with the swap. Thanks for anyones help![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Given the price I am still interested in pursuing. So far at least![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Took the boat out many times this summer. She ran great. Summer prior (2018) I had a very high powered stereo hooked up to my 2 starter batteries in my 2003 Regal 4260 Express. My port side would go dead and I'd only have starboard to dock the boat. No forward, no reverse. I discovered one of the 3 breakers in the control box mounted on the side of the engine would pop. I'd push it back in and the controls would start working again. Ultimately, I replaced the breaker and port side has run flawlessly. Fast forward to summer of 2019. Startboard side starts acting up. Nothing at all in forward. Reverse was perfect. I suspect stereo hooked to engine batteries was interfering with EDC's. Pulled stereo off batteries, take her for a run, she runs perfectly. Summer of 2020; all is great until October when I take her for a run. She would pull hard until almost on plane, then just drop into neutral. Engine would rev, but no forward thrust. Reverse is perfect. Oil sample shows 358ppm for copper, 98ppm for aluminum, which Wix says is abnormal. Not severe which is their worst grade. I'm not sure if when the engine was pulling onto plane, then went into neutral and just revved, did it slip the clutch by possibly the solenoid being partially open and increased the level of copper? I'm trying to figure out if I have an electrical problem and or if the trans is in need of a rebuild. I swapped solenoid from forward to reverse on trans and nothing changed. Figured if seloniod was bad, I'h have no reverse with the swap. Thanks for anyones help![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Given the price I am still interested in pursuing. So far at least![/FONT]
Divergirl
Member
Hello All,
I am back to the safe mode issue on the SB TAMD74 P-B engine. As I have told you, there was a part issued in 2015, an SPM Kit which was designed to prevent the engine from putting itself into forward gear while in neutral & idle. This SPM kit was installed one year ago and it the SB engine has not put itself into gear since HOWEVER, it now has a slight surge and puts itself into safe mode. So, to me...it is as if the engine is trying to put itself into gear...the SPM Kit stops it, but doesn't allow it to continue on its way...it puts it into safe mode, which neither engine had ever done before this SPM Kit was installed. The mechanic has swapped the engine computers, swapped the potentiometers, and swapped the SPM Kit wires. We were hopeful that one of these swaps would cause the port to go into safe mode, but no. Now the mechanic is thinking the original wiring harness, which I believe was Volvo Penta's 1st attempt at a fix, years ago...needs to be redone. And, he said it will be very expensive. I happen to know that VP sent a partner shop to my boat in 2015 and paid to have the harness redone so, I do not think that is it.
I know I have posted about this a gazillion times but I remain hopeful that someone on this forum will have a fresh take on this. Keep in mind that I have EDC controls, so electronic...one set of throttles.
Hope everyone is safe & well.
Divergirl
I am back to the safe mode issue on the SB TAMD74 P-B engine. As I have told you, there was a part issued in 2015, an SPM Kit which was designed to prevent the engine from putting itself into forward gear while in neutral & idle. This SPM kit was installed one year ago and it the SB engine has not put itself into gear since HOWEVER, it now has a slight surge and puts itself into safe mode. So, to me...it is as if the engine is trying to put itself into gear...the SPM Kit stops it, but doesn't allow it to continue on its way...it puts it into safe mode, which neither engine had ever done before this SPM Kit was installed. The mechanic has swapped the engine computers, swapped the potentiometers, and swapped the SPM Kit wires. We were hopeful that one of these swaps would cause the port to go into safe mode, but no. Now the mechanic is thinking the original wiring harness, which I believe was Volvo Penta's 1st attempt at a fix, years ago...needs to be redone. And, he said it will be very expensive. I happen to know that VP sent a partner shop to my boat in 2015 and paid to have the harness redone so, I do not think that is it.
I know I have posted about this a gazillion times but I remain hopeful that someone on this forum will have a fresh take on this. Keep in mind that I have EDC controls, so electronic...one set of throttles.
Hope everyone is safe & well.
Divergirl