Hi,

So my 2000 S40 with what I believe to be the AW50-42le, has shifting problems. Firstly I have the flashing arrow of failure. It came on a few months ago, apparently I was very low on fluid and had been for a while, which made sense as it was shifting strangely. I filled it up and after a few days the arrow went away and my transmission felt great. Now it's come back on, immediately when it came on, my volvo is leaking a ton of fluid through the output shaft seals and 2-3 shifts are very harsh. It seems to hold onto 2nd for too long and lets go harshly. 1-2 and 3-4 aren't good either. So my plan is to repair the seals as well as replace axles and struts. Will my transmission be ok or is there something I can replace to fix this? I don't want to do this big job just to have this transmission **** the bed in 3 weeks. Please help

 

based on the fact that your shifting was great when you topped up, I'm optimistic that fixing the leaks might address your issues - that is, assuming that you didn't drive major miles after the shifting went wonky. I would be tempted to hold off on the strut work until you can confirm that all is well though. Why are you replacing the axles? I would suggest simply replacing the two seals and see how you make out...unless of course the axles are confirmed as bad.

 

Axles are indeed bad as well as my left strut (blown shock). I have been driving a while with the light on but rough shifting has only come back quite recently. I know this is irresponsible but I am a broke college student if that excuses me from ridicule. The fluid does not look or smell burnt. However I think I may have overfilled; can that give me these symptoms as well? Thanks so much for your advice.

 

Got it. For what it's worth, I picked up two axles from the wreckyard for mine at a reasonable fee and they have done the job fine - smooth as silk 18 months in. Arguably better than going for new aftermarket as far as I'm concerned! On a related note - you could probably pick up two fully built struts from a junkyard as well if you are looking to save some bucks.


Not sure about the symptoms of overfilling. A quick google search suggests that it could lead to bad shifting. When you check your fluid level next time around - make sure you drive for 10min first. Ideally the fluid needs to be within a range of temps for the level check to work...just can't remember the exact temp. I think 10min of driving would do it. Good luck.