S2 shift solenoid - 1999 S80 2.9 - Is My Car Really DEAD?

[sfreeman]

New guy, first post, sorry if I break any rules - just let me know - and sorry if this is too long.

OK, I am really pissed!

Bought my gorgeous 1999 S80 2.9, snow white, with tan leather interior, with 28,000 miles from our local Mercedes dealer (reputable) as an 'executive lease return' in 2002. Pristine condition. Paid $22,000.

Bought Volvo because of its reputation to really last through the miles.....

Car ran great for about a year using it to commute to work 100 miles per day, all freeway. Then, every other month or so, it was something new... entire rack and pinion system had to be competely replaced. Transmission solenoid (s1) went bad, etc. etc. etc.............

Thank god we had the extended warranty. Ran up repair bills around $13,000 total, and the car was in the shop for about 8 weeks total. Had to fight with the warranty people, but they finally paid.

Car has been running OK after all of that work for a year or two, but lately acting up.

Now car has 138,000 miles. Anyway, I am driving to work, and I get Message: "Urgent Transmission Service Required", and the car goes into 'LIMP' mode. Embarassing!

Take it straight to the dealer, and they tell me that now it is the S2 solenoid.

The mechanic notes:
"Inspected and found fault for trans shift solenoid. Fluid condition not good. Recc. trans. (Hmmm - wonder what this means) Clutch packs most likely are failing. Would need full teardown to be sure"

The car also needs a major service, front brakes, timing belt, fuel filter, lower control arm bushings, etc. Total cost = $8,000.00 !!!!!

Also, I received a recall notice #155 and they performed a complete throttle body upgrade while the car was there.

Kelly Blue Book says this car, in good condition, is worth somewhere around $6000, which is about what I still owe. Grrrrr

Anyone have any advice? At this point, I want to just list it as a project car and try to minimize our losses. Car still running in limp mode.

Thanks for any advice.
Sam

[sfreeman]

OK, guess I expected too much. Thanks anyway 8-]

[pnspor]

i buy all my cars salvage. with this car i am especially happy that i did so. the car depreciated about 75 percent since i got them. but now its just been hoovering around 10 grand which is a releaf.

to be honest i havn't had any problems with them expcet the 2.9 the SL2 is out. no prob 800 fix. car gets 32 in the city with AC on i mean salvage or not with the way gas prices are i'll drive a hundai.

but anyways im sellling a 99 t6 for about 8 grand it has 82k miles on it. i just recently replace lower bal joint and inner tie rods. new breaks and front rotors. the car is a true beauty i love it. but need to sell it

and yes i AM GOING TO GET aNOTHER S80 probably a 03 awd. 503 409 0106

[les & reilly]

im having the same problem. have yet to change the oil.
if you are any good with electrical, its may be worth your while checking for continuity in the wire leading from the plug (letter k black) to the earth. if it is an open circuit, there is a break in the wireing, most likely where they join behind the windscreen washer bottle filler, it clamps onto the wing with the 10mm bolt head. there are three bolts, the black earth is the one nearest to the front of the car.

i found mine to be an open circuit on my s80 t6 but i also have another problem somewhere.

i found where volvo has connected them together, they havent made a very good job at the factory
good luck and get back to me and let me know what you have found.
regards,
les & reilly (gs dog)

[insubag]

I have the exact same issue with the same car - Did you have to replace to transmission ????? ANY advice would be appreciated!!!