2000 S80 transmission

[asummers]

Well, I just heard from the transmission shop.

They checked the solenoids thru the wiring harness, and they all checked out good.

He said the computer is sensing a fluid pressure drop and making the transmission go into the limp home mode, stuck in 3rd gear basically.

The reason it is having pressure drops is because the transmission fluid is burnt up, and way past it's life. That has clogged up the fluid passages and making it not operate properly. Strangely Volvo does not recommend having to change the fluid and filter, they call it a lifetime
fluid. I have been reading about lots of people with the same problem.

He recommends a rebuild, this will clean out all the old fluid, and replace any damaged parts. This would be $1300 on the low side, and near $1500 if there was more parts that need replacing once they get inside it.

If I found a used transmission he would take out the old one, and put the used one in for $400.

I may try a fluid and filter change at home and see if it might happen to help it. The guy at the shop didn't give it much luck for just a fluid and filter change being the fix.

Anybody had anything similar to this with their tranny?
My transmission is the standard general motors automatic with the 2.9 engine.

[vegasjetskier]

If it hasn't been changed in 109,000 miles, the filter may very well be clogged, causing the pressure drop. I'd give the filter and fluid change a try and see what happens. The most it will cost you is about $50 and an hours' work.