2002 s60 Transmission does not engage

S602002 · Post by **S602002** » 26 Dec 2013, 03:11

Okay, i just dropped about $1500 on front end suspension work 3 weeks ago. This evening (Christmas, that is) while visiting family out of state I started the car, backed up to pull out of a curbside parking spot, put the car in drive and pulled out right into a U-turn. Once the car got past 90 degrees turned, we heard a grinding noise, then no forward power. The engine runs fine, however the transmission does not seem to engage. When I move the shifter (automatic) to different positions (P,R,N,D,4, etc) it feels as if the shifter is settling into a new gear, however the car behaves as if its in Neutral regardless of the gear selected. Also, when shifting from Reverse to Park the grinding noise returns (this noise does not occur when shifting from Park to Reverse though, or any other gear sequence). Had the car towed at 2:00am on Christmas night. Any insight other posters can offer prior to me seeing the mechanic tomorrow would be appreciated. My fingers are crossed that the transmission is NOT shot. Thanks. Rob

S602002 · Post by **S602002** » 26 Dec 2013, 03:14

btw. the above car is the base model s60 (non turbo, FWD).

Post by **abscate** » 26 Dec 2013, 07:19

It sounds like a driveshaft or CV joint has failed so that the power is just spinning one side.

You can can check by REALLY CAREFULLY having an assistant put the car into drive, foot firmly on brake, and look for spinning shafts. Keep your hands away from any moving parts.

S602002 · Post by **S602002** » 26 Dec 2013, 08:28

Thanks so much for the info and reply. I hope its one of those if they are less expensive to replace than the tranny.

S602002 · Post by **S602002** » 26 Dec 2013, 12:06

mechanic said the front axle left snapped. Parts and labor estimate is $300. Whew! I hope that does the trick. Total cost will be about $500 after the cost of the late night tow. Still better than a transmission failure.