Hard shifting

crzhtb · Post by **crzhtb** » 10 Jun 2012, 18:23

I have a 2003 S40 and I love my car. lately when I'm driving there are a couple of things happening...

The first is upon first start of the day after I let her warm up, when I start to drive I hear a sort of chirp sound. Does anyone know what this might be?

The second thing is she is shifting hard when i'm not on the highway. If i'm going fast no problem but If i'm going slow sometimes I notice that the gears are taking longer to change and when they do it's very hard and creates a buck that I'm not a fan of. I'm not really good with things like this. I get the oil changed when it's due and always maintain everything. Can anyone help me out before I bring it in and get made to fix things I don't need to fix lol.

keithatcpt · Post by **keithatcpt** » 12 Jun 2012, 15:28

First problem; probably the serpentine belt if you're lucky. If you're not lucky, it could be one of the accessories like the alternator. If you are really unlucky, it could be timing belt related; i.e. the tensioner or the idler pully. My S40 was owned by someone who maintained everything and changed the oil when it was due, as you say, but was unaware that the timing belt needed to be changed. My S40 made it to 141,000 miles before the tensioner failed and destroyed the valves. I ended up replacing the motor with one out of a junked car.

The second item does not bode well for the transmission. You could having the transmission flushed and the filter changed and see if that helps. Some people feel that doing a transmission flush can do it in for good if it's already close to failing, though. Good luck.

Keith

Post by **MoVolvos** » 12 Jun 2012, 19:36

keithatcpt wrote:
The second item does not bode well for the transmission. You could having the transmission flushed and the filter changed and see if that helps. Some people feel that doing a transmission flush can do it in for good if it's already close to failing, though. Good luck.

Keith

Per my other Posts. Check the color and smell of the Fluid and do a Drain and Fill and if it improves it is just the Fluid and proceed with a Flush with Swepco 714 20W. Should tackle it as soon as you can!

Reference
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... f=1&t=8767

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 17#p244917

Blessings,
BKM
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EDIT:

Reference - Instead of continuous fill you flush stop and fill and repeat.

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Post by **zulu-v40** » 12 Jun 2012, 22:22

For your particular make and model, only use Volvo JWS 3309 ATF fluid (Mobil ATF 3309 or Toyota Type IV ATF are equivalent), which is the only ATF fluid recommended for use w/ your AISIN transmission. You can buy it by the case: http://store.avlube.com/mobilatf3309.html or pick it up at a Toyota dealership. I would not take any chances.

swedespeed
bobistheoilguy
mobil

Whatever you do, and regardless of who does the flush, be it you or your mechanic, make sure you order the right fluid.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 12 Jun 2012, 23:27

zulu-v40 wrote:only use Volvo JWS 3309 ATF fluid (Mobil ATF 3309 or Toyota Type IV ATF are equivalent), which is the only ATF fluid recommended for use w/ your AISIN transmission. I would not take any chances.

By Law the Auto Manufacturer or Dealer can not dictate to car buyers what to use so they have to say equivalent. Search this topic of those who have called Mobil and see that both the Volvo's JWS 3309 and Toyota iV are made by Mobil and IS the Mobil 3309.

They can recommend Fluids but not say "ONLY" Fluid so you are not taking a chance with an equivalent even though some are obviously much better or Superior than others besides eliminating glitches or idiosyncrasies in older transmissions. There are enough Volvo owners who have used equivalents without problems or else there will be very few products on the market.

Game or Marketing as they make the other Manufacturers Fluids - Neither Mobil or Anyone else can Claim Exclusivity!!!
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/Mot ... _3309.aspx#
Mobil ATF 3309 is an exceptionally high-performance lubricant that meets original equipment manufacturers’ specifications for use in certain slip-controlled lock-up automatic transmissions manufactured by Aisin AW Co. Ltd.

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **zulu-v40** » 13 Jun 2012, 07:00

We're talking about a specific Volvo, not all Volvos. Using a different fluid would be taking a chance and void the transmission warranty in the process. Of course, as you said, anyone is welcome to use any ATF fluid he or she chooses. There's even some Castrol at Auto Zone that says it meets the specifications. The author of the original post shares being inexperienced. As someone who has experience with this model, I am recommending JWS 3309/Mobil 3309/Toyota Type IV ATF fluids. I think it's a fair recommendation and a slightly more conservative approach. Also, someone suggests there is a filter to be changed for the transmission, but there is not.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 13 Jun 2012, 09:10

zulu-v40 wrote:

We're talking about a specific Volvo, not all Volvos.
Perhaps we have some misunderstandings: Regardless of the any specific Volvo, Volvo and the Dealer by Law can not tell you to use a certain brand of Transmission Fluid but just any that meets or exceed the JW 3309 standards

Using a different fluid would be taking a chance and void the transmission warranty in the process.
Does taking a chance void the warranty or putting in non JW 3309 fluid. If you use any X Brand which meets JW 3309 Volvo can not void the warranty

Of course, as you said, anyone is welcome to use any ATF fluid he or she chooses.
Any brand of ATF that meets or exceeds the JW 3309 Standards

There's even some Castrol at Auto Zone that says it meets the specifications.
Which is fine and will not void the warranty

The author of the original post shares being inexperienced. As someone who has experience with this model, I am recommending JWS 3309/Mobil 3309/Toyota Type IV ATF fluids.
Your recommendations are fine whether for an experience or inexperienced car owner and assuming the OP's 2003 is out of Factory Warranty there are better fluids. The criteria again is JW 3309 in warranty otherwise other better fluids or specialty fluids that are compatible, equivalent or multi-service oil like Swepco are all OK. Many oils are better or Superior but they can not afford the Spec Approval process so the larger companies who create these Specs along with the Manufacturers have corner the Market

I think it's a fair recommendation and a slightly more conservative approach. Also, someone suggests there is a filter to be changed for the transmission, but there is not.
If it were just a flush the recommendation is not just fair but correct. As the Transmission is problematic I've suggested the easiest method to try systematically eliminate the problem albeit not perfectly as he could have other issues

To summarize the JW 3309 is what Volvo Specs and Mobil is the maker of Volvo Transfluid so of course Aisin will recommend it. That said there are better and superior fluids out there than the same fluids made by Mobil - Volvo JW 3309,Toyota IV and of course Mobil 3309.

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **zulu-v40** » 13 Jun 2012, 11:49

At this point, maybe you should disclose whether or not you are affiliated w/ Swepco. Specifications, law, equivalencies - that's all semantics and not necessary for the original author's needs. Why should an inexperienced car owner go with your opinion versus the car manufacturer's recommendation? This thread reads like an ad now, which I don't think is the spirit of the forum.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 13 Jun 2012, 16:35

zulu-v40 wrote:At this point, maybe you should disclose whether or not you are affiliated w/ Swepco. Specifications, law, equivalencies - that's all semantics and not necessary for the original author's needs. Why should an inexperienced car owner go with your opinion versus the car manufacturer's recommendation? This thread reads like an ad now, which I don't think is the spirit of the forum.

Since you asked, No but I guess I look like a flashing Neon for them

! It is however just that good and they are more known for their Roofing products used through out the world. UPS, Chevron, United, Volvo Heavy Equipment, Dow and when I worked in Food Manufacturing the Stainless Steel Company that made large Tunnel Fryers used their cutting oil as it was hands down the only oils that prolong bit life. Even my mechanic became a believer after he unstuck a Ford Bronco's lifters so he did not have to pull the heads. Another Shop that I used closer to home took apart a ReMan Engine in my van after 50K and it still had hash marks in the cylinder walls.

In 2003 they were using Swepco
http://www.heatandcontrol.com/

http://www.mightytitans.com/forums/show ... 242&page=2
EXCERPT: Confirms my own experience and another Poster says the US Coast Guard use their products
"They don't advertise at all because they don't have to - those that know already buy enough of it to make it a very profitable product. On a final note, the lubrication properties may be a little to good at times - the engine builder I spoke with actually has to break freshly built engines in with a lesser oil like Kendal - the rings just won't wear in and seat well with Swepco. After break in, they change out to Swepco before they send the engine back out."

Since 1933 - Been Around
http://www.swepcousa.com/corp.htm

Trusted Through Out the World
http://www.swepcousa.com/expsite/slide.htm

http://www.swepcousa.com/bpsite/comments.htm

Holbert Racing my favorite race team way back when was using this stuff long before I knew anything about it.
If Andial the Builder is correct it is standard in Porsche Transmissions out of the Factory as told to a GT2 owner.
http://www.andial.com/

Blessings,
BKM
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Post by **MoVolvos** » 18 Jun 2012, 16:48

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Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =4&t=49388

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