s80 2002 transmission message then shuts down

moejoe29 · Post by **moejoe29** » 04 May 2009, 16:15

I have a severe problem, I was behind a big truck and was going really slow but noticed that my transmission was not changing, then a message came up on the message screen that the transmission needed assistance. After that, the big truck that I was following turned off. I thought I would try one more time to get the gears to change so I GENTLY tried excellerating, when I did a message came up stating reduced engine performance. Next it shut completely off. Still will not not even crank back up. Not to mention my husband went back to get it with a trailer and accidentally ripped the bumper off. I have owned many volvos and never had one to leave me stranded on the side of the road??? Anybody know what is going on. I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO HAUL ON A TRAILER AN HOUR AWAY TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO TELL ME I NEED A WHOLE NEW TRANSMISSION. I have been around long enough to know that transmission problems are usually a gradual problem not a sudden one like this. Please help before my husband beats the car with a baseball bat?? J/K!!!

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 04 May 2009, 17:20

I've never heard of one shutting completely down. Usually they just go into "limp home mode" which would be the reduced performance you noted. There is a sensor in the transmission that tells the computer if the fluid temp is too high. The computer logs this and when the amount of time it has been too high exceeds a certain amount it triggers the "limp home mode."

You might have to have your car towed to at least an independent Volvo shop to have the computer codes read and reset to get you moving again.

When is the last time you had the transmission fluid and filter changed? I know Volvo says it's "lifetime" but it's not. If your husband has average mechanical skills he can do it himself by following this tutorial: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 11&t=20278

If you still have problems after changing the fluid and filter and having the codes cleared, you may have to get a new transmission. Unfortunately, it costs between $2,500 and $4,000 to replace.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 May 2009, 18:17

Moving this out of the classified section and to its rightful place in the forum.

MIJ

moejoe29 · Post by **moejoe29** » 10 May 2009, 14:47

Thanks for your information! It is appreciated.