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Volvo S60

Report: Transmission Shifting Issues Due to Internal Failure and Software Issues

Volvo S60 Problem
29 Reports
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Model Years Affected: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Drive Trains Affected: AWD, w/o AWD

Average Mileage: 116,428 mi (60,000 mi - 205,000 mi)

Verified

The automatic transmission may develop shifting problems and/or the Check Engine Light may illuminate due to internal component failure and/or software issues. It is always best to be sure the transmission control module has the latest software installed when any major transmission repair is performed.

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  • Report #1
    MIKESTOFLETH, 2002 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 120,000 mi
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     Rookie

    REVS UP BETWEEN GEARS. SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING

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  • Report #2
    MonteCarlo1958, 2003 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 75,000 mi
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     Rookie

    After a smog check, the transmission won't go into reverse and stays in sports mode.

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  • Report #3
    Visitor, 2001 Volvo S60

    I've had this problem since the first three years I've owned the car. Dealership claims they can't pinpoint the issue and sometimes can't repeat the problem for them to experience it. Upgraded software didn't fix the problem.

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  • Report #4
    Josian39, 2001 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 60,000 mi
  • Report #5
    Visitor, 2003 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 130,000 mi
  • Report #6
    tnbuchs, 2002 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 205,000 mi
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     Rookie

    Needed new software in first year, now shifting rough until car warms up...

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  • Report #7
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 120,000 mi
  • Report #8
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 120,000 mi

    when acceleratitransmission does not engage initially

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  • Report #9
    Peter Dong, 2002 Volvo S60, AWD, 105,000 mi
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     Rookie

    All the time.

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  • Report #10
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, AWD, 130,000 mi

    rev up before shifting then fuse blew on shifting module...replaced that but still not shifting right....i'm over it. Trading it in.

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  • Report #11
    Visitor, 2001 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 122,000 mi

    Delayed harsh engagement between drive and reverse, slipping between gears and other erratic behaviour. Suggested fixes range from rebuilt Volvo transmission 4,500 to rebuild with new valve body and transfer case not much cheaper. Still haven't fixed it, since I paid about that for the damn thing. Best looking lemon, I've ever owned!

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  • Report #12
    S60 Guy, 2001 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 144,000 mi
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     Rookie

    Rough shifting (1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd). Revs up and doesn't want to engage and then does with a "clunk" and wheel squeal. Software upgraded, but problem continues. One mechanic says he has replaced his transmission 3 times. Sounds like Volvo needs a recall.

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  • Report #13
    Visitor, 2001 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 106,000 mi

    This is the 2nd transmission in the car, and has only 20,000mi since replacement.
    Symptoms are very hard 2nd gear to first gear shifts as the car slows through about 3mph, especially when hot, or in stop-and-go driving.
    Some 2/3 and 3/4 flared shifts.
    Learned the Valve bodies are known for sticking components, including solenoids.
    The solution is possibly a new valve body ($2000 or so) or a new transmission (rebuilt units installed by Volvo $4000-6000).
    Had transmission software checked, adaptations deleted, fluid flushed and refilled by dealer, and it worked for a couple of days, then back to sticking and hard downshifts.

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  • Report #14
    Visitor, 2001 Volvo S60, AWD, 112,000 mi
  • Report #15
    jason.morvay, 2005 Volvo S60, AWD, 83,000 mi
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     Rookie

    Rough shifting from 3rd into second either auto or tiptronic and noticeable in other gears as well as Park into Drive. Software upgrade supposed to have fixed it. pick it up next week... we'll see.

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  • Report #16
    Visitor, 2003 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 115,000 mi
  • Report #17
    Visitor, 2001 Volvo S60, w/o AWD
  • Report #18
    Visitor, 2001 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 100,000 mi

    Hard shift between First and Second until engine warms up, but even then has noticeable slippage... Software update didn't help at all...

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  • Report #19
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, AWD, 125,000 mi

    Transmission runs good when cold, after 10 min of driving it is just a nightmare!!!

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  • Report #20
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, w/o AWD
  • Report #21
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, AWD, 140,000 mi
  • Report #22
    boscacci, 2004 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 150,000 mi
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     Rookie

    hard downshift from 2nd to first when hot. Does not seem to do this all the time, only intermittently

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  • Report #23
    Visitor, 2002 Volvo S60, AWD, 82,000 mi

    My transmission started to shift hard out of first gear to second. An internal piece is being replaced in the transmission which is a 1,400 part plus labor.

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  • Report #24
    Visitor, 2005 Volvo S60, w/o AWD, 101,000 mi
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