Geartronic Malfunction '03 S60 AWD

[mileaminute]

The '03 S60 model# B5254T2 (51700 mi) has for the second time in the past month triggered the Transmission Service Required and CIL. The first time I was driving about 20 minutes at 50-55 mph level ground and just coasting along. Depressed the accelerator slightly to bring the car back to 55mph. There was a violent buck and shudder from the transmission then the dash lit up with the yellow warning, CIL and Transmission Service Required message. The car began driving like the brakes were dragging, extra accelerator pedal required to move the car. I pulled over and shut it down waited a few minutes and restarted it. At that point it drove normal. I attempted to research the error on the net and found only one post matching my situation. It was suggested that the problem could have been random computer malfunction suggesting a reset of CIL and a wait and see approach. The writer indicated that the problem never reoccured even after 2 years. So I checked the transmission fluid condition detecting no oder and finding clear, pinkish new looking fluid on the full mark I began waiting to see what would happen next.

The OBD2 code the first time was 2 errors: P0740 and P0573

Since the first problem I have noted that the car drives OK when driving conservatively but when a more spirited approach is taken it shifts poorly making late rough shifts.

Today the car has had a repeat performance with added errors. The driving situation this time was hill climbing at a steady throttle application. the transmission acted reluctant to downshift and the motor bogged down when climbing, dropping the RPM to around 1200-1300 when it did downshift it did so bucking into a lower gear and setting off the CIL and Transmission service required message.

The OBD2 reading today 4 errors:P0740, P0573, P0700 and P0700 (pending)
The Freeze Frame #1 reports DTC that caused the frame was P0700

Throttle Position 27.8%

Engine RPM 1880

Load Value 25.4%

Air Flow Rate 42.25 GR/Sec

Coolant Temp 156 F

Intake Air Temp 24 F

Ignition Timing Advance 26.0 Deg

Short Term Fuel Trim1 0.0%

Long Term Fuel Trim1 3.1%

Short Term Fuel Trim3 -100.6%

Long Term Fuel Trim3 -100.6%

Vehicle Speed 56 mph

Fuel System 1 CLSD

Fuel System 2 N/A


Freeze Frame #2 reports DTC that caused frame was P0740

So with the transmission fluid looking so new I have to wonder if maybe it's not the correct type? I have only owned the car for 4 months putting 8K for miles on it. Is there any way to tell? With the limited info I have uncovered on the net I gather the next step to be a flush and bonifide Volvo/Type fluid added. Maybe a computer update?

I have read the DIY info for a transmission flush which I found on here: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/chat/p ... sion+flush

Curious why I am not seeing the recommendation to change the Transmission filter.

[MadeInJapan]

Hi, I would go ahead and change the fluid just to make sure you get the right fluid in there....and also do any software upgrades the dealer has. The reason the filter isn't changed is because for Volvo engines it would require taking the transmission apart. I recommend the drain and fill and then flush method as indicated in the write-up you linked to above. This is the best way to get everything out that may need to come out, even the stuff from the bottom of the tranny. I did our '04 V70 about a month ago and it was very straight forward and easy to do. The hardest part was pulling and putting back the short dipstick that is buried deep.

[JRL]

Hi, I would go ahead and change the fluid just to make sure you get the right fluid in there....and also do any software upgrades the dealer has. The reason the filter isn't changed is because for Volvo engines it would require taking the transmission apart. I recommend the drain and fill and then flush method as indicated in the write-up you linked to above. This is the best way to get everything out that may need to come out, even the stuff from the bottom of the tranny. I did our '04 V70 about a month ago and it was very straight forward and easy to do. The hardest part was pulling and putting back the short dipstick that is buried deep.

I also recommend this. If it doesn't fix the problem you're going to be in for a new tranny real soon, hope you have a warranty