2002 S60D5 tranny pb/W position for smoother driving?

[TomSWiss]

Hi,

I recently purchased an automatic s60 D5 with 175,000km (2002) . The transmission showed typical signs of being in need of atf change (abrupt passage from gear 2 to 3). After driving 10,000km, I have now organized for atf change to be done at the local Volvo dealership in a few days. I also noticed that the car drives perfectly smoothly when I use the W option of the gearbox (winter conditions driving).
Has anyone any comment on this ?
Does it make sense to you ?

Thank you!

[jimmy57]

W changes the shift program. You move off from stop in 3rd gear to lessen torque applied to wheels. If you move off in 3rd you're avoiding a 2 to 3 shift as it never uses 1st or 2nd.

[TomSWiss]

Ok this is great thanks jimmy57, I get it now!

Would you go as far as saying that driving in W mode actually decreases the risk of transmission failure, once the first symptoms have appeared ?

If it did it would be great advice to share with others who experience them.