06 S40 Higher rpms before transmission switches gears

starrett7 · Post by **starrett7** » 20 Jan 2009, 17:19

I have a 06 S40 automatic with 62k and the rpms run higher than usual before switching gears. If I am in lower gears and increasing speed, rather than a seamless gear change throughout all gears, there is also a slight sensation when the next gear engages that was not present before.

I took a look around for the stick to check the level of fluid and cannot locate it. Where is it? Is there an electronic check/fix that volvo does to address this? 62k seems low to be experiencing this already. Thanks so much for your help!

Ed

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 20 Jan 2009, 21:44

The stick is there- very short...way under the large plastic pipes between your battery and engine (if I'm visualizing the right car). You really need to do a transmission flush. Make sure you use the right fluid (it's listed in your owner's manual).

starrett7 · Post by **starrett7** » 22 Jan 2009, 17:18

In addition to the transmission flush what about trying the software download for the transmission at the dealership? The cost of the software download is about $200 and I really don't know enough about this to say it's worth trying. Thoughts please!!!

I've done the flush on my 02 XC70 before, Is the process essentially the same on the S40? Which side is the inlet and outlet on the radiator?

I appreciate your input!! Thank you.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 22 Jan 2009, 17:40

Here is the method outlined in VADIS for a S40 '05. I don't have instructions for an '06 but I would assume it's the same.

S40 '04 Tranny Flush.pdf: (265.52 KiB) Downloaded 433 times

Also check the Modified Transmission flush in the repair database and see if you can use some of the information there to help with this (although it's not for your particular Volvo). Btw, you check the level of your fluid after the car is completely warmed up (driven 20-30 mins) and parked, but with the engine still running. Typically, you would hold your foot on the brake, go through all the gears, about 10 seconds each and return the gear shift to P, then while still running, push the dipstick in all the way, and pull it out to read the HOT side. Wipe with a nylon cloth- you don't want any lint getting into your transmission which can clog the lines. If you would take pictures of the procedure, we will add it to the repair database. Also, as mentioned earlier, make sure of the type of transmission fluid- if it calls for JWS-3308 compatible fluid (which I think it does) you will damage your transmission if you use regular Dexron III or Mobil1 Synthetic. The #3309 fluid is the same used by Toyota for their Aisin Warner (AW)5 speed, automatics and is called Type IV so you can probably buy it from Toyota at quite a savings. Mobil also makes a 3309 fluid that you can have shipped to you from on line.... If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
-MIJ