Volvo S40 The S40 is Volvo's most affordable sedan with all the amenities of a luxury sports car.

Transmission Slipping and Hard Shifts

Old May 17, 2018 | 12:40 PM
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herbls's Avatar
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Default Transmission Slipping and Hard Shifts

Hi, All.

I have a 2005 S40 T5 AWD with the 5-speed automatic with about 101K. This winter I noticed a couple new issues.

First, as it shifts from 2nd to 3rd it sometimes slips (takes a while to engage and you can hear it in the engine revs).
At other times it shifts from 1st into 2nd hard and from 2nd into 3rd hard.
Additionally, shifting into Drive after idling in Park for an extended period results in a really hard clunk.

Any ideas where I should look to resolve these issues? I think I saw something somewhere regarding a software issue possibly being at fault. Not sure where to start first so thanks in advance for any help you folks can provide.

Thx!
 
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Old May 19, 2018 | 05:28 PM
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The dealer can tell you if you have the latest software. It usually costs money to hook up any scan tool so beware.

First thing is to check the fluid level and condition. Fluid can be checked full hot or full cold as the dipstick has marks for both. The color and smell is checked at this time too. Fluid should be bright red and clear. As the fluid ages it will turn to a blackish color.

About the only device left to the home mechanic is to replace the fluid several times over an extended time period. This involves getting the fluid hot during normal driving and then draining it into a measured bucket(s). Now refill the trans with new Volvo compatible ATF with the same amount that you drained into the measured bucket. This will only replace about 25% of the fluid so you drive the car for a week or so then do this procedure again. Eventually you will have replaced 100% of the fluid although the actual new fluid percentage is lower.

The flush and fill procedure available through various shops has a rather dubious online reputation. I have read of several who swear by it and others who say it trashed their transmission. I have no direct personal knowledge of either.
 
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Old May 20, 2018 | 04:49 PM
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herbls's Avatar
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Originally Posted by Hudini
The dealer can tell you if you have the latest software. It usually costs money to hook up any scan tool so beware.

First thing is to check the fluid level and condition. Fluid can be checked full hot or full cold as the dipstick has marks for both. The color and smell is checked at this time too. Fluid should be bright red and clear. As the fluid ages it will turn to a blackish color.

About the only device left to the home mechanic is to replace the fluid several times over an extended time period. This involves getting the fluid hot during normal driving and then draining it into a measured bucket(s). Now refill the trans with new Volvo compatible ATF with the same amount that you drained into the measured bucket. This will only replace about 25% of the fluid so you drive the car for a week or so then do this procedure again. Eventually you will have replaced 100% of the fluid although the actual new fluid percentage is lower.

The flush and fill procedure available through various shops has a rather dubious online reputation. I have read of several who swear by it and others who say it trashed their transmission. I have no direct personal knowledge of either.
Thank you! I will try the gradual fluid replacement and see what happens.
 
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