Holly » My Volvo S60 automatic transmission slips when changing from 1st gear to second gear. The engine revs up and the car lugs. It is dangerous, and scares me every time. Happens a few times per week.
The Volvo dealer repair shop tried to fix it by loading new software into the car’s computer twice, but it did not fix the problem. Now they will try installing a new PC board and then reloading the software. They dont’ know if it will fix the problem.
Is this problem common? Does anyone know what the cause is?
pscarampi » I have the exact same problem in my 2001 S60 T5. I’ll be stopped at a light, I’ll accelerate normally, and then it will get up to maybe 4,000 RPM without accelerating, and then suddenly it clicks with a jolt after about a second and the car lurches forward. And it doesn’t happen often, just enough to say “what’s going on?” I haven’t taken it in since it started happening a few months ago, and come to think of it, it hasn’t happened in a couple of weeks…
Pennywise » I bought a 2001 S60 T5 a few months ago, and same thing started tp happen about 2 or 3 weeks ago, just called the dealer yesterday and he was not surprised, he told me that it sounds like a common problem in this specific model and year, in spanish “Cuerpo de Valvulas” (Valve Body) which is attached to the A/T seems to be the problem, the price, just around $2,400 bucks (dollars), but it seems that the warranty still apply, so I maybe would only pay half of it (still too much). I think if this is a common problem with these cars (2001 S60 T5), there should have been a factory recall at some point (that`s what decent manufacturers do right?). Please let me know if what this guy told me is true and how you managed to fix the problem.
The Fix(es)
- JBRollo » Update: I suggested a transmission flush for the 2nd shifting flare problem. This was several years back, maybe 2007.
I want to report we have no problems since the flush. - 2001 S60 2.4 auto trans fluid change.pdf
Also Good Transmission Advice for All P2 Volvos
rbodor3 » Seems a lot of you are having an issue with this, and this would be my first contribution to this forum as a long time lurker (and VSer).
(fyi I’m riding an autotragic 2001 s60)
- flush your fluid every 20-30k miles. Volvo manual says don’t do it, which has been proven to be wrong. If you haven’t ever flushed and you’re at or less than 60k, then flush now.
- use Mobil 3309 or Dexron IV for all s60s, takes anywhere from 8-10qts (avlube.com ~$50+shipping is best deal)
- use the radiator flush method not the drain pan drop method
If you have more than 60k miles and you’re asking if you should flush, you need to. But instead of using the radiator method, remove the drain plug on the bottom of tranny (19mm if I remember, and brass-colored) and that will drain about 4qts of the fluid. Fill up to correct marking
If you don’t flush your fluid ever, you’re not “gambling” if your transmission will fail. You guarantee it. What’s a gamble is if it happens today, tomorrow, or 6 years from now.
ALWAYS get the software updates. It’s silly to say that you think the dealership is trying to screw you out of your warranty. one of the main reasons the tranny was so faulty was the many software issues the TCU had
If your transmission still flutters after doing all this there are 2 more known issues with the 2001-2004 transmissions:
- B4 servo cover: this will cause flares shifting in/out of 3rd gear. It is a very simple, cheap fix. It’s literally a cover with some o-rings that has been redesigned many many times. www.ipdusa.com has it for sale under s60/transmission/b4 servo
- valve body solenoids: you basically have to remove the existing ones, clean it out, and replace with new ones. There’s no fix for this. It comes down to the fact that some of the workings of the automatic transmission before MY2004 were sized too small, and clog up too easily (so flush your fluid frequently!)
My recommendations:
- do the b4 servo even if you don’t need it if you have a MY2001-2004 s60
- flush your fluid every 15k with mobil 3309
- get a transmission cooler (quick, easy, cheap install)
- get a transmission temperature gauge (easy) and monitor your temperatures
- get the latest software
rej69 » Thank you for all of the advice. I drained and filled my 2002 Volvo Automatic trans with the Royal Purple Max life at $13.00 a quart (U.S.D) and it shifts like a dream again. Holds 4 quarts exactly on a drain and fill. Now on to new problems. I replaced the oil with castrol gtx 10-30 but cannot get the filter canister off. I broke a band wrench and filter pliers were useless as the canister is plastic and if I torqued down any more on it, it would have broken. Who puts those things on so tight????? All they do is keep fluid from leaking out… not hold the engine to the car.
