Problem Reports

Volvo S80

Report: Transmission Will Not Shift Properly

Volvo S80 Problem

14 Reports

Model Years Affected: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008

Average Mileage: 104,318 mi (19,865 mi - 155,000 mi)

Many complaints have been reported regarding Volvo S80 transmission shifting issues. Long shift times between gear shifts, hard shifting, hard downshifting and a loss of transmission operation all together to name a few.

If the issue is minor, a transmission software update may address this issue so if available, the software should be updated before any repairs are made. After a software update or repair, the shift adaptation needs to be reset. A good quality Volvo repair shop will know how to perform this task.

There are several technical service bulletins (TSB's) available from Volvo that address these shifting issues and they should be consulted by the repair shop during the automatic transmission diagnostic process.

Regular servicing of the transmission fluid can help with preventing transmission failure, but not in all cases. Follow the suggested fluid replacement interval recommended by Volvo. You will find this in your owners manual, or find it here: http://bit.ly/Volvo_Owners_Manuals

Add to My Checklist

Find a Shop

Follow this Problem Report Unfollow this Problem Report

Report #1

Visitor, 2001 Volvo S80, 122,000 mi

Transmission went out completely in Automatic mode. I could still shift manually. Bought a $10 OBD II diagnostic tool to read the codes - Solenoid B issue. I reset the codes and the problem went away. Best tool I ever bought! Saved myself a $4k transmission repair.

Flag This

Like | 5 people like this5
Report #2

Visitor, 2008 Volvo S80, 19,865 mi
Report #3

johnlangley, 2002 Volvo S80, 145,000 mi

Rookie
Car starts fine after 1-2 miles tranny spins. If I shut the car off and restart it. I can probably get another 1/2 mile out of it. I can repeat this process and it works fine for a short time. My ABS lights service light is on. Dealership said I must replace cont module. Help someone. I was also told to replace tarnny@ $6K

Flag This

Like0
Report #4

Visitor, 2001 Volvo S80, 96,000 mi
Report #5

zgates, 2005 Volvo S80, 120,000 mi

Rookie
Long shift time between 2 and 3 and I get very hard shifting when trying to slow down

Flag This

Like0
Report #6

Visitor, 2003 Volvo S80, 110,000 mi
Report #7

Visitor, 2008 Volvo S80, 35,000 mi

when coming to a stop or slow rolling stop, the car is sluggish downshifting into first gear and often the car is not in forst or second gear when I step on e gas causing it to harshly downshift into first causing a "kick" before it goes. Also,I quite often fell a kick or bump when the car does downshift into first gear when stopping. It often is sluggish or eratic upshifting. So far the dealer has updated the software, but that did not fix the problems, and they tell me this is all normal and pretty much act like I'm crazy and there is nothing wrong with the car. Sorry, I've been driving automatic and stick shifts for 48 years...this is Not normal.

Flag This

Like | 5 people like this5
Report #8

Visitor, 1999 Volvo S80, 155,000 mi

I changed the fluid and the problem was deferred for about 2 weeks. Readdressed the issue with a transmission fix (Lucas) at about 170k. Now the problem seems to be returning. I will try the software update per this blog. Thank you all for the great input.

Flag This

Like0
Report #9

malhotra, 2004 Volvo S80, 136,000 mi

Rookie
initial pickup hard take lot of rpm

Flag This

Like0