2001 S40 Transmission "slipping"

drk5184 · Post by **drk5184** » 08 May 2009, 13:19

Hello,

I'd been on here before asking about what type of trans fluid my 2001 S40 1.9T should take and was given good (and quick) advice from MadeInJapan that I needed to use the 3309 fluid. The reason I was doing the trans flush was because I had noticed some rattle-type noises coming from the transmission when it was sitting in drive or (more noticibly) reverse while the brake was depressed. The noise was not happening in neutral. Anyway, I thought it would be a good idea to try swapping the fluid since automatics can be strange when the fluid is low or dirty. The fluid in this car was both low and very very dirty. So the fluid was changed, I started the car and drove around the neighborhood, came back to the house, put it in reverse and no noise! The next morning, however, I had a completely new problem.

When the engine/ transmission is totally cold and the car is driven, the transmission does not want to shift so it ends up revving really high. Typically if you let it rev high, drop down to normal rev range, and then gradually increase the throttle it does eventually shift. As the engine heats up the car starts to shift normally with the exception of the odd clunky downshift while braking....and the rattle noise is back while in reverse and neutral.

I know this is a long post but I hope that someone will be able to tell me what it might be and what possible solutions are. I'd like to be informed when I go to a shop. By the way I'd appreciate any recommendations for a Volvo shop in the Seattle/Redmond Washington area.

Thanks!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 May 2009, 14:57

Hey there...it's hard to say.
Are you sure you have the right amount in there?
It should read midway on the "hot" side after you've driven it at highway miles for 20~30 mins... read it with the engine still running and the gear in Park.

markvt · Post by **markvt** » 15 May 2009, 17:46

Not sure if the S40 has a kick down cable for the transmission or not. If it does, then most likely the cable is sticking. This is an automatic, right? Very common on the older 240's.

drk5184 · Post by **drk5184** » 25 May 2009, 18:30

Markvt,

Thanks for the suggestion. Is that kickdown cable inside the transmission or is it a (DIY) servicable part?