I have just bought a used 2005 S40 with just under 60K. Everything about the car is great except the automatic transmission. Shifting up from 2nd to 3rd is more pronounced than all other shifts. This tends to occur at all acceleration rates but is more noticeable accelerating slowly. All other gearshifts - up and down, P, N, R - are smooth. It feels as though it is shifting too late, using the geartronic I can make the shift smoother.

Has anyone got any advice for me or had/heard of similar problems? Very Grateful for any help.

 

I'd start with a tranny fluid change. My '02 S40 was shifting odd and was remedied by having the dealer flush and fill the system. Just make sure you use the right stuff. I believe it is a synthetic fluid.

 

I would change the fluid also. Make sure you use the proper fluid--JWS Mobil 3309 (volvo pn 1161640).
Dealer wants big $$$ for that fluid ($75 per gal) but you can buy it cheaper and do it yourself.

 

Here you can get a 12 Quart but keep in mind for the flush you'd probably wand more.When I had it done for some reason had to order an extra quart to level the fluid in the tranny which should be checked with the engine running.

http://avlube.com/mobilatf3309.html

 

Definitely start with the fluid. It is synthetic but you're don't have to use Volvo fluid. BG makes a good synthetic fluid for that car.

 

In other posts about other types, there's some information on motor/trans mounts being worn out or broken that affect shift quality. I have no idea if your's has the same type, but it might be worth an inspection/look-see. I'd Volvo flush (not power flush) your trans anyway unless you feel very lucky and believe the owner's manual never, ever tells fibs on maintenance intervals. If you do, I'll bet you're waiting next to the chimney for Santa, too. Changing out fluids is way cheaper than chaning out parts.

 

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'm going to take the car in to Volvo maintenance in a week to get the fluid changed and the transmission checked out.

 

I had transmission slipping for almost 2 months. Several visits to the shop, several rental cars, days using loaner cars and lots of inconvenience and headache.

I was told that the waranty purchased to take care of car problems after 60k miles was not going to fix my car until they could duplicate the problem. The gear slippage was intermittant and they wouldn't fix the problem because it wasn't repeatable at the dealership. An independent mechanic told me I needed a new transmission.

My car had only 63K miles on it at 3 years old. I will never buy another Volvo and would recommend Kias. I bought a Kia, got a great deal, have a great warranty, and am not looking back. I wasted over $20 K on the Volvo S40 and will never do it again.
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