Transmission doesn't engage in any gear

markymarc2u · Post by **markymarc2u** » 20 Jan 2016, 09:15

I'm in a bad spot.

My 2001 Volvo S60 does not engage with the transmission when I move the gear shifter.

The shifter moves from gear to gear just as it has in the past, but when I put it in gear (any - reverse, drive, 3rd or 4th), and I step on the gas, the car does not move - it does not engage. The engine responds perfectly, but the transmission doesn't.

My transmission fluid was recently changed 6 weeks ago using a Volvo-compatible fluid, is cherry red, and filled to the proper level.

I have been fighting random transmission codes for the last two months. I'd get a P0733 one day, a P0734 the next, a P0735 another day, and random P0740 codes. I simply erase the codes, and my car drives perfectly until the next day, when I get the next random code. Totally RANDOM!

Yesterday I had a code P0700 - Transmission Control Module error, went into limp mode, cleared the code, and drove off. I made it a 1/4 mile and haven't been able to get the car to engage for the last two days.

I'd like to be armed with any knowledge about what's wrong before I take it in, and then subsequently get taken by the repair shop.

The car has 115,000 miles on it and has been maintained very well over the years.

Any suggestions? Could this be a shift linkage issue? The Transmission Control Module gone south?

I am stuck - literally. I really appreciate any help!

Thanks!!

Post by **oragex** » 20 Jan 2016, 12:03

I would double check the fluid level when the car is warmed - min. 30 minutes driving, on flat surface, transmission in P with engine running, the fluid should be close to the warm line. If the level was already low, cold weather causes the fluid to shrink even more, so the torque converter will slip.

I'd try letting the engine warm up at idle, this will help heating and expanding the transmission fluid.

markymarc2u · Post by **markymarc2u** » 20 Jan 2016, 12:22

Thank you so much for the advice. I will let the car warm up, and check the fluid.

stinger04038 · Post by **stinger04038** » 20 Jan 2016, 13:14

I'd check the linkage first, but keep in mind the transmissions used on this year Volvo were junk brand new. Take it in to be diagnosed, if it needs a new one cut your losses and run. I hope it is something simple for you. I was not so lucky on my 2001 v70, had to sell it for parts when the rest of the car was perfect.

markymarc2u · Post by **markymarc2u** » 20 Jan 2016, 16:11

I let the car sit idling for 30 minutes, as I can't drive it. After the 1/2 hour, when the car was hot, I checked the fluid level and it was high - 1/4" or more about the fill lines.

During the 30 minute idle, I was able to engage the car a couple inches forward and backwards. When I did this, the car wanted to stall out, so I stopped.

Not sure if the higher fluid level has to do with the problem. Should I siphen some fluid out?

I appreciate any thoughts....

Thank you very much!

Post by **oragex** » 20 Jan 2016, 19:02

Idling was normal around 750 rpm?

markymarc2u · Post by **markymarc2u** » 20 Jan 2016, 20:32

Yes - car was idling normally at 750 RPM.

While letting the car idle for 30 minutes to heat up the transmission fluid, I noticed the shifter did engage the transmission several times in drive and reverse. The car did drive forward and backward a foot or so. It did engage randomly throughout the 30 minutes - but did so inconsistently.

When the transmission would not engage when I put it in drive and reverse, the car was able to be moved forward and backward, as if it was in neutral.

Not sure if it's going to help, but I am going to remove some transmission fluid, so that the fluid is in the proper range when the car is warmed up. It looked to be 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch over where it should be on the dipstick.

I'll try anything at this point. Don't want to hand over my 15 year old car to the junk yard, and can't see spending $5500 for a rebuilt transmission from Volvo.

Any suggestions would be truly appreciated!!!

Thank you very much!

Marc in Arizona

Post by **abscate** » 21 Jan 2016, 04:58

Source a used transmission before you do this, but you do have to try figure out how good it is.

Post by **oragex** » 21 Jan 2016, 06:39

Just thinking, when looking at the level on the dipstick, look for a 'thick' portion of fluid on either of the sides as fluid can spread on the dipstick from the transmission tube and indicate a false level. It is good to wipe the dipstick before reinserting and pulling it back for reading. True level is where the fluid is thicker on the dipstick - looks like a droplet.

If the level shows indeed 1/4-1/2" over, it is not an issue - on my opinion. I too have about this amount over the hot mark, and all is working fine. If there would really be too much fluid in the transmission, the fluid will 'foam' and that would be an issue.

I think if the level is low inside the torque converter, the car will be free to be pushed as there is no coupling between the engine and the wheels.

bhkoch77 · Post by **bhkoch77** » 21 Oct 2020, 21:40

Hi. I know I'm a little late, but did you ever figure out what the issue was with your volvo. I'm have a very similar issue with my son's s40