New Member Here: Have a 2007 S80 with 128,000 miles. Owned for 3 years, bought used. Getting some sounds and mild jerking when driving but not consistent. Auto purrs at 70 miles per hour. Sounds only happen on quick acceleration or quick stopping but again not consistent. Took to qualified repair shop;They said fluid looked burnt, I did not see it and that transmission should be replaced. They drained a little fluid and added Lucas Oil product to extend life.Took car to Volvo dealer but mistakenly said 'may' have transmission concern...surprise... they drove it and said yep transmission is going. Called four other Volvo dealers and simply asked as an owner, how do I service and maintain my transmission...do I need to replace fluid or flush from time to time "because the owners manual makes no mention of needing these types of services for tranny. So the manufacturer does not suggest doing this service to Volvo transmissions. All four dealers said no need to replace or flush as the transmission as it is self contained and they rarely see a transmission failure on that model. They said normally expected at minimum 250K miles and more before any such issue.So somewhere between these facts is reality. Replacing the transmission on a 2007 S80 for $3300 plus makes no sense due to autos value. Have read about up dating cars software as possible resolution or maybe it is only the torque converter. Any suggestions or experiences out there with you good people?

 

Which engine is in your S80?

 

the engine is 3.2 liter

 

Not sure about the noise but the jerking and rough shifting are probably due to shift solenoid failure. It is a common problem on the 5-speed units that showed up about 7 years after production. It is not a difficult fix.

Your vehicle has the Aisin TF80-SC transmission, 6-speed.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2010-V...cAAOSwhpZaRbzR

The shift solenoids typically develop high ohms resistance on the coils and won't function properly when warmed up. When cold, they work fine. The shift solenoids are available in a matched set.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AW-TF80-SC-...kAAOxyTd5R40T9

I DO NOT recommend refurbished and/or used components. I also DO NOT recommend trying to change one or two. Change them all.

The drain/fill procedure for the transmission is simple. Plan on having 4 qts of Mobil 3309 fluid to refill after draining the case.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mobil-11261...sAAMXQKPRSMwzi

Buy a case and you can do a few fluid changes along the way. The fluid works in the 5-speed automatics and also the earlier 6-speed.

 

Tony,
Seems that you are suggesting to replace all the solenoids at once which I would do as well. Parts from link sent appear to be around $375 or so. I can't do this work. What do you think the labor will be at dealer or outside shop? Does the transmission need to be dropped to do solenoids?

What about this software update I hear about on the S80 to resolve some potential shifting issues? Have you any input on that as well?

Also I had several volvo dealers advise not to drain fluid and replace as it will lead to issues. The manufacturer manual also does not show any maintenance to drain as well. You suggested draining and refill fluid. What has been your experience doing so on a transmission with 128,000 miles that may have issues already?

Lastly Tony what about the torque converter possibility...does the TC have to be replaced with solenoids?

Thanks for addressing each qustion Tony. It is appreciated.
Barry