Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

On occasion, after coming to a stop, my 2000 S40 will not shift out of first gear. I can go about 25 MPH with the RPMs at 4500. Sometimes it downshifts prior to coming to a stop and then upon hitting the gas it will not up-shift. I have had it checked (nothing found), flushed the transmission fluid and done all software updates and it still acts up intermittently.

This has never occurred while cruise control is engaged and has never tripped the “check engine� light or “transmission failure� arrow on the dash. Typically after driving with it in 1st for 1-2 minutes it will adjust and shift fine for the rest of the day. It’s really strange as sometimes it will run fine for weeks and then it will act up every day for a week. Seems to occur after about 20 minutes of driving or is triggered by a quick stop (say at the gas station) followed by continued driving.

Tech… others… any ideas? Could it be a bad PNP switch or Transmission Control Module or worse… transmission going out? It just seems strange that no error codes are being tripped. Thank you.

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

Anyone have a clue? Any thoughts Tech?

Thanks.

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

You said no codes at all?
What condition is the fluid in?

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

Thanks Tech, I really appreciate your response. No... that's the weird part, no codes at all and nothing stored. The Volvo repair shop was perplexed too. The fluid looks fine, but I thinkI'll change it again anyway. Does it sound like a PNP switch or a speed sensor? I know those trip codes, but I just don't know what else to do.

Thanks again,
Justin

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

I would say maybe a soleniod is sticking and then finally lets go to allow the tranny to shift.

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

Thanks Tech. I think that there are two shift solenoids on the tranny... how difficult is it to change them? Looks like you remove the valve housing cover.

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

I believe it isn't all that bad to do. It is pretty much the same tranny as the 850 but in the S40 it is alot easier to get to .
Look for the black cover on the front of the tranny they are in there.

RE: Not shifting out of 1st Gear
 

Thanks Tech... I'll report back after I tackle the project.

Dang Rainier don't see your report back i am almost having the same exact issue

2005 XC70 Jerking into 1st gear
 

My car which has 65k is slightly jerking into 1st gear on deceleration and repeating this on acceleration to 2nd gear. Speeds are generally 18 miles per hour and only when the car is warm. Its not steady either. The Volvo shop says no codes are popping and suggest a transmission replacement. I’ve read hear it could be the Solenoid Valve Body. They quoted me $2700 to replace it. Any suggestions?

assume the Volvo dealer checked the level or condition of the transmission fluid? If they find its burnt or has bits of debris, its a sign the clutch disks are toast and that's where the transmission needs a rebuild. If they simply scanned for fault codes, that's not enough information for a diagnosis. The solenoid valve body is a set of solenoids that the transmission computer controls to switch the valves to route the fluid and switch the gears. These can get sticky, overheat etc which loses their ability to actuate the valves. the computer for the most part will detect when a solenoid fails and you'd get a fault code but not always. What you can do is try a transmission drain/fill and run the fluid through a paper filter (white paper towel will do) to see if there's debris and to check the color (should be reddish brown (good) but not black / burnt smelling). You can check the same color/smell test using the dipstick. The only other things for the shop to do is to confirm you are on the most recent/correct version of the software and to make sure the contacts at the TCU (transmission control unit) and the solenoids are in good shape and clean. For $2700, I'd certainly want a second opinion :-)

Definitely do a fluid drain-and-fill. Good thing to do even if you're going to end up having to work on the tranny, and the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.

The linear solenoids can cause those symptoms, by being gummed up by dirty fluid, most likely. New fluid MIGHT help, or not. My car had a clunky downshift (3-2 IIRC) that several drain-and-fills didn't help. I ended up swapping out the linear solenoids - cost well under $100 for parts, and really isn't all that tough a job. I made a YouTube video on the process that (I think...) really explains what's involved.