2001 S80 2.9: TCM-053 Lock-Up Pressure Switch Jammed. Anything to try before replacing transmission?

DanSC · Post by **DanSC** » 30 Apr 2024, 08:44

My 2001 S80 2.9 is at ~228,000 miles, and the current transmission has lasted a bit over 100,000 miles, which might mean it is due for a new transmission. It is the GM 4T65E transmission.

This morning, I could not accelerate from a stoplight; the transmission was in Drive but would not transfer power. Restarting the car and going into first gear allowed me to limp to the side of the road. I'm waiting for a tow truck right now.

I, by miracle, had my laptop and DiCE unit. VIDA found the code TCM-053: Lock-Up Pressure Switch Jammed.

Is there anything I can try before I commit to a transmission rebuild or replacement?

DanSC · Post by **DanSC** » 17 May 2024, 22:05

Work duties called for a few weeks, which gave me time to send a transmission fluid sample off for analysis. I used a WIX sample collection kit, and these are the results:

Metals	ppm
Iron (Fe)	158
Chromium (Cr)	<1
Iron (Fe)	158
Chromium (Cr)	<1
Lead (Pb)	23
Copper (Cu)	53
Tin (Sn)	12
Aluminum	2
Nickel (Ni)	<1
Silver (Ag)	<1
Titanium (Ti)	<1
Vanadium (V)	<1
Contaminants	ppm
Silicon (Si)	10
Sodium (Na)	<1
Potassium (K)	<1
Additives	ppm
Magnesium (Mg)	1
Calcium (Ca)	138
Barium (Ba)	<1
Phosphorus (P)	207
Zinc (Zn)	40
Molybdenum (Mo)	<1
Boron (B)	<1
Contaminants
Water (%)	<0.05
Physical Tests
Viscosity (cSt 100C)	5.6
Solids (%)	0.2
Physical / Chemical
Acid Number (mgKOH/g)	0.72

The Diagnosis blurb suggested these results are fine, though I would suspect that 158 ppm of iron is quite high. Does anyone have an educated opinion?

Post by **Krons** » 18 May 2024, 06:43

No education here, but this video may help you decide if you want to tear into it vs replace. No doubt the Chevy parts may be different that what is on the Volvo.

16:00 mark identifies the solenoids.

DanSC · Post by **DanSC** » 13 Jul 2024, 14:06

A late update to close this story; the transmission was beyond a simple rebuild. A local mechanic found a used low-mileage replacement, and that is now in the car and shifting smoothly.

What is a few more thousand dollars into an Icon of Swedish Industrial Design

Post by **MoVolvos** » 13 Jul 2024, 16:43

DanSC wrote: ↑13 Jul 2024, 14:06 A late update to close this story; the transmission was beyond a simple rebuild. A local mechanic found a used low-mileage replacement, and that is now in the car and shifting smoothly.

What is a few more thousand dollars into an Icon of Swedish Industrial Design

.
Do you mind if I ask where your mechanic found the transmission if it was from a trans supplier. Also, what was the cost for the used trans and labor. Before the pandemic a local shop quoted me around $2500 when it was all said and done to rebuild the 4T65E in the 2003 S80 T6. I had installed a Transgo Shift Kit with full flush and the transmission shifted instantly and smoothly. Being it wasn't home I was not mindful to recheck the pan bolts and it was damaged from fluid lost.
.

DanSC · Post by **DanSC** » 14 Jul 2024, 12:46

I did not ask where the other transmission came from, though I suspect it came from a salvage yard, not a transmission supplier. I suspect the donor car was scrapped shortly after receiving the new transmission.

The used transmission install, plus labor and a 90 day warranty at a Volvo specialist shop in Southern California was $3500. I was initially quoted $5000 with a two-year, 24,000 mile warranty to rebuild the transmission, but it would have required a more extensive rebuild than expected.

brutus101 · Post by **brutus101** » 13 Sep 2024, 10:05

Before committing to a transmission rebuild or replacement, there are a few things you can try:

Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition: Low or dirty transmission fluid can cause issues with the lock-up pressure switch. If the fluid is low, top it off to the correct level. If it’s dirty or burnt, consider doing a fluid change to see if that helps.

Clear the Code and Test: Sometimes, electronic glitches can trigger a code. Try clearing the TCM-053 code using VIDA and see if it reappears after driving. If the problem persists, it might indicate a more serious mechanical issue.

Inspect Wiring and Connectors: Check the wiring and connectors going to the transmission and the pressure switch. A loose or corroded connection could cause the switch to malfunction. Ensuring all connections are secure and in good condition might resolve the issue.