When I clear S60 transmission codes, car drives perfectly

markymarc2u · Post by **markymarc2u** » 20 Dec 2015, 09:42

I have been getting a variety of transmission error codes over the last month on my 2001 Volvo S60 with 115,000 miles on it. The strangest part is, when I clear the "urgent transmission service" codes that occur within the first 15 minutes of driving each and every morning, the car drives perfectly for the remainder of the day - and I mean perfectly.

I live in the Phoenix area, and it's been cold in the mornings lately (35 degrees is cold for us). Could the cold weather be causing something to act up?

All these events happen first thing in the morning, within the first 15 minutes of driving:

Tuesday 12/8. Slippage, Limp Mode, code P0733.
Wednesday 12/7 Reset code with ODBII code reader. Car drove fine, then got code P0734 after 15 minutes. Did a transmission flush.
Wednesday 12/7 to Wed. 12/16 Car drives flawlessly after transmission flush. A whole week with no problems!
Thursday 12/17. Morning codes are back, along with slippage and limp mode. Today's code is P0735. Cleared code, car drove perfectly.
Friday 12/18. Code P0740, along with slippage and limp mode. Reset the code with the code reader, car drives perfectly the remainder of the day.

The codes basically represent slippage in 3rd gear, 4th gear, 5th gear, and Torque converter clutch circuit open. Different codes are coming every day!

I'm not convinced I have a transmission problem, as my car drives perfectly when it's warmed up, but clearly there is a component causing random codes being thrown every morning. I was hoping someone can suggest a fix, or somewhere to start.

The Volvo dealer, upon hearing the "P codes" I've gotten, says these codes are indicative of transmission failure, and since they don't tear apart transmissions, they would be happy to rebuild a transmission for me for $4500.00. Since my car is only worth $2,500 or so, I'm basically fighting for the life of my 2001 Volvo S60. I believe it still has a lot of time left in it, and I don't want to give up on it yet!

I appreciate any input!

Thanks.

goldmandan · Post by **goldmandan** » 20 Dec 2015, 10:15

You may have a bad transmission control module (computer)
I don't know if changing one out that has the same part number would need to be programmed or not but it may be cheaper than a whole new transmission!

markymarc2u · Post by **markymarc2u** » 20 Dec 2015, 17:45

Thanks for the suggestion! I read that the TCM can be reset or updated by using the Vida software - I've got a lot to learn...

I will start down that road, and then look into replacing it if that doesn't work.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Dec 2015, 05:29

Try a series of two more drain and fills before you mess with the TCM and software. Electronics on these cars are very reliable unless they have been messed with

Post by **precopster** » 31 Dec 2015, 15:19

A CAN update at the dealer should have been suggested but more importantly purchase a computer removal tool and clean the edge connector of the TCM with contact cleaner spray and a toothbrush. It costs little and may remove random codes.

Generally the rebuild or a used one is the way to go. We are fighting the same thing on m my wife's 2002 XC70. Every week now my wife stops to clear a code with her phone and ELM327 to prevent having to drive off in 3rd gear.