volvo S60 transmission problem

JBRollo · Post by **JBRollo** » 26 Mar 2006, 13:50

Flushed it and the problem has not reappeared! Will try the Volvo software modification if it comes back.
The flush is very easy. The proceedure is posted on the web and maybe here too. Took about 1.5 hrs. Cost about $75 with the Mobil ATF 3309 which I ordered from the internet. (Volvo fluid costs about 4 times as much)

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TWD99 · Post by **TWD99** » 29 Mar 2006, 12:29

I had the same problem with my '01 S60. The dealer flushed the transmission fluid and it has been symptom-free for 25k mi. Watch out for that $25/qt. OEM fluid, though! Maybe I'll DIY next time...

JBRollo · Post by **JBRollo** » 29 Mar 2006, 14:52

Got the Mobil ATF 3309 from AV Lubricants at

http://store.avlube.com/mobilatf3309.html

Cost: $46 for a case plus about $15 shipping.

Joel · Post by **Joel** » 06 Sep 2007, 21:01

I've just dropped off my 2002 S60 2.5 with the Volvo service crew and it's having the same problems as I see discussed here-- slips between 1st and 2nd gears. The Santa Monica service rep said the $4,500 cost should be covered by the exended warranty. The warranty guy has inspected the car but evidently will wait until tomorrow (9/8/07) to give them the green light. Any insight would be appreciated. I will provide an update after the work is complete.

JBRollo · Post by **JBRollo** » 15 Aug 2009, 16:28

Update: I suggested a transmission flush for the 2nd shifting flare problem. This was several years back, maybe 2007.
I want to report we have no problems since the flush.

I avoided the software fix because I don't think you can fix a mechanical problem or a sticking valve by changing the software. I also suspect many of the software fixes are aimed at delaying the underlying mechanical problem until the warranty expires.

sixvolvos · Post by **sixvolvos** » 26 Sep 2009, 19:43

While I do not have any problem with the trans yet ('01 S60 2.4T, 62K miles) I would like to change the trans oil, even if it is 2 quarts at a time.
Got new ramps, case of Mobil 3309 from the source found in this thread, Made a tube to add the new fluid, and looked for the drain plug.
Cannot find one!!
Probably need to undo a bolt, but which one?
Who can help?

Operation was not a total loss because the engine oil needed changing.
Did that using the old filter gasket O-ring.
It was not at the top of the filter housing, but was instead one thread down. Is that OK? All prior oil changes had been done at an independent Volvo shop.
Where should that gasket go?

Thanks,
Sixvolvos

Post by **JDS60R** » 26 Sep 2009, 20:51

Here you go

sixvolvos · Post by **sixvolvos** » 27 Sep 2009, 12:24

John:
Thanks!
I printed it and will try to find the drain plug later.
But now I'm concerned about the no change policy from Volvo.
There are a bunch of posts on shifting irreguarities, and flushing.
My car does not tow a trailer and is not used in severe service.
61K miles on an '01 is low!
Do you think it is OK to change it?
It is noticeably darker than new trans oil.
Daughter's '96 850 trans failed at 150K with no fluid changes, so I don't want to have mine fail. I drain and refill a S90 trans with 2 quarts of Mobil 1 at around 10K mile intervals. It does a lot of towing.

Thanks,
Sixvolvos

rbodor3 · Post by **rbodor3** » 22 Oct 2009, 18:23

Seems a lot of you are having an issue with this, and this would be my first contribution to this forum as a long time lurker (and VSer).

(fyi I'm riding an autotragic 2001 s60)
- flush your fluid every 20-30k miles. Volvo manual says don't do it, which has been proven to be wrong. If you haven't ever flushed and you're at or less than 60k, then flush now.
- use Mobil 3309 or Dexron IV for all s60s, takes anywhere from 8-10qts (avlube.com ~$50+shipping is best deal)
- use the radiator flush method not the drain pan drop method

- if you have more than 60k miles and you're asking if you should flush, you need to. But instead of using the radiator method, remove the drain plug on the bottom of tranny (19mm if I remember, and brass-colored) and that will drain about 4qts of the fluid. Fill up to correct marking
- if you don't flush your fluid ever, you're not "gambling" if your transmission will fail. You guarantee it. What's a gamble is if it happens today, tomorrow, or 6 years from now.

- ALWAYS get the software updates. It's silly to say that you think the dealership is trying to screw you out of your warranty. one of the main reasons the tranny was so faulty was the many software issues the TCU had

If your transmission still flutters after doing all this there are 2 more known issues with the 2001-2004 transmissions:
1) B4 servo cover: this will cause flares shifting in/out of 3rd gear. It is a very simple, cheap fix. It's literally a cover with some o-rings that has been redesigned many many times. www.ipdusa.com has it for sale under s60/transmission/b4 servo
2) valve body solenoids: you basically have to remove the existing ones, clean it out, and replace with new ones. There's no fix for this. It comes down to the fact that some of the workings of the automatic transmission before MY2004 were sized too small, and clog up too easily (so flush your fluid frequently!)

My recommendations:
- do the b4 servo even if you don't need it if you have a MY2001-2004 s60
- flush your fluid every 15k with mobil 3309
- get a transmission cooler (quick, easy, cheap install)
- get a transmission temperature gauge (easy) and monitor your temperatures
- get the latest software

frankm · Post by **frankm** » 18 Apr 2010, 10:34

Is their a charge for this software upgrade? I just bought a 2003 s60 and am having this shifting problem. I thought I was imagining it at first but the engine winds up but the car isn't moving much. Also do you think this damages the transmission? Is it going to wear out the clutches?

volvo S60 transmission problem

Followup on transmission flare problem