Tranmission problem or not on S60 AW55? Topic is solved

[dikidera]

So my driving style is a bit odd, I do like to punch the gas pedal and get up to speed and then let go. However either this is not compatible with automatics or my tranny is going bad. My car is s60 2.4 140hp 2005, auto. I've only recently bought it so I am still learning about the issues.

Generally the transmission seems fine, the upshifting is felt(like a very tiny brake being applied for a split second), so it's not exactly super smooth, but I also wouldn't say its terrible, and I am blaming this on bad engine mounts. However kickdowns have a noticeable delay, as soon as I punch the pedal, the RPMs go up in the same gear and only then does it downshift so there is definitely a noticeable delay of at least 2 seconds between my punch and the downshift. Sadly this is not the only thing, as soon as I let go of the pedal, say around 5K rpm, and I mean fully let it go, the rpms start going down till 2800RPM where something happens to the tranny, I think it locks up for a moment there, and releases and the rpms continue to go down, it's felt like I slightly pumped the brakes. Maybe it was upshifting, not sure.

Not sure if this matters, but sometimes when going from D to P, it's like there's a kick to the car, it doesn't always happen though.

Of course a video will help with this

[scot850]

Do you know when/if the transmission fluid was last changed? Most folks seem to think that as Volvo once said (wrongly) that these were sealed for life transmissions, they were true to their word, their shortened lifespan made them fail much quicker to the point Volvo realised their stupidity and now recommend a 50,000 mile/ 80,000km oil change. Problem is that people think as it is only a 'recommended' oil change they don't need to do it for some reason and then the trans fails?

Sure there could be other issues like bad engine mounts and other stuff but lets start with the condition of the trans oil?

Neil.

[jonesg]

So my driving style is a bit odd, I do like to punch the gas pedal and get up to speed and then let go. However either this is not compatible with automatics or my tranny is going bad. My car is s60 2.4 140hp 2005, auto. I've only recently bought it so I am still learning about the issues.

Generally the transmission seems fine, the upshifting is felt(like a very tiny brake being applied for a split second), so it's not exactly super smooth, but I also wouldn't say its terrible, and I am blaming this on bad engine mounts. However kickdowns have a noticeable delay, as soon as I punch the pedal, the RPMs go up in the same gear and only then does it downshift so there is definitely a noticeable delay of at least 2 seconds between my punch and the downshift. Sadly this is not the only thing, as soon as I let go of the pedal, say around 5K rpm, and I mean fully let it go, the rpms start going down till 2800RPM where something happens to the tranny, I think it locks up for a moment there, and releases and the rpms continue to go down, it's felt like I slightly pumped the brakes. Maybe it was upshifting, not sure.

Not sure if this matters, but sometimes when going from D to P, it's like there's a kick to the car, it doesn't always happen though.

Of course a video will help with this

you're beating it, the tranny is trying to re-adapt to your foot which is different from the previous owner.

[dikidera]

Do you know when/if the transmission fluid was last changed? Most folks seem to think that as Volvo once said (wrongly) that these were sealed for life transmissions, they were true to their word, their shortened lifespan made them fail much quicker to the point Volvo realised their stupidity and now recommend a 50,000 mile/ 80,000km oil change. Problem is that people think as it is only a 'recommended' oil change they don't need to do it for some reason and then the trans fails?

Sure there could be other issues like bad engine mounts and other stuff but lets start with the condition of the trans oil?

Neil.

Considering the last owner did NOT change his tyres and the tyres themselves were reduced to just flat rubber, I'd hazard a guess, that he never serviced the tranny. I am considering a drain and fill, however this procedure means I need quite a lot of oil, people say 12 quarts, that's almost 12l. The most I can do is a single drain and fill of around 4l for now which iis about just a 33% flush.

@jonesg, I admit it's true, I just have a more aggressive driving style than the previous owner. I mean on my previous beater I'd do 50mph on 2nd gear, for short distances. However I wanted to make sure that what I am experiencing is more or less normal or sign of future problems.

[scot850]

Yes you can do it that way. It is about 3.5 liters per drain and fill. There is another version where you remove the transmission line to the radiator cooler and flush it through there by connecting a hose to the cooler line and draining about 2 liters at a time and refilling until you get cleaner fluid running through. I would recommend getting new hose 'O' rings for the connection of the hose to the radiator as they will likely be hard by now.

Good luck!

Neil.

[jonesg]

Yes you can do it that way. It is about 3.5 liters per drain and fill. There is another version where you remove the transmission line to the radiator cooler and flush it through there by connecting a hose to the cooler line and draining about 2 liters at a time and refilling until you get cleaner fluid running through. I would recommend getting new hose 'O' rings for the connection of the hose to the radiator as they will likely be hard by now.

Good luck!

Neil.

and the plastic clip, just did that this week, the clip doesn't take removal well.
The top hose is the way to go.

[scot850]

Ah, yes! Thanks for reminding me of the green plastic retainer clip.

Neil.

[dikidera]

Yes you can do it that way. It is about 3.5 liters per drain and fill. There is another version where you remove the transmission line to the radiator cooler and flush it through there by connecting a hose to the cooler line and draining about 2 liters at a time and refilling until you get cleaner fluid running through. I would recommend getting new hose 'O' rings for the connection of the hose to the radiator as they will likely be hard by now.

Good luck!

Neil.

and the plastic clip, just did that this week, the clip doesn't take removal well.
The top hose is the way to go.

Isn't it better to do it via the drain plug? I know it should drain about 3-3.3l at a time, then you close it and re-fill the same exact quantity. Then if you have more oil left, you drive the car a bit to circulate it and then you rinse and repeat.

Anyway, yesterday I did a test and pulled the tranny dipstick, the oil looked low, like up to temperature and still below the cold line, I think...the second test smeared the oil on the stick so I couldn't verify, the color of the fluid was not bad, but definitely not brand new obviously.

[jonesg]

no wonder its shifting funny.