I am looking to buy another Volvo S60 T5 for my son and daughter to drive. This particular find only has 1 known problem. The transmission doesn't shift smoothly into 3rd gear. It will stay in too long and then shift hard into 3rd. It does have tiptronic and they have not experimented to see if it works better in that mode.

The car has 121K and they are looking to get $3k for it. What can I expect to pay if it turns out to be a major transmission problem. I would consider doing it myself if it was a rebuilt trans swap.

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

How difficult is a transmission replacement. Lots of viewers. Any responders?

 

It could be as simple as a solenoid failure which will cost you a few hundred bucks. Another cheaper fix would be to make sure the car has up-to-date transmission software. I know for S60s there were lots of updates for 2nd to 3rd gear shifts. You could always drain some tranny fluid and add high mileage fluid which helps alleviate gear shutter and slipping.

If it is more of a slip into 3rd gear, it would be more indicative of transmission failure which Volvo tranny re-builds will run you at least $3k at a shop.

 

Okay, I test drove the car. I first drove it in manual (tiptronic) and it moved in to 2nd gear okay and when I bumped it to 3rd there was no engagement, it simply revved as if in neutral. I then moved over to drive and the gear engaged. Immediately I moved it back into manual to see what gear it was in and it was in 4th. I did this twice with same result. When in drive the vehicle would go from 2nd to neutral, rev up and then clunk into gear. I actually was not comfortable trying to recreate that one so basically only did the manual test hoping the results of that test would bear fruit.

I am looking for opinions if this sounds like a replacement is necessary and can this be done without removing the engine.

Thanks for your help.

Don

 

Thanks to 02s602.4t for helping with this problem. Investigated this particular problem with the transmission and found out that this most definitely would require a rebuild or replacement of the transmission. The unit can be replaced without removing the motor and a local mechanic wants $1300 for 15 hours of work to do the job. I can get a rebuilt transmission for $2800 and a certified used one delivered for $1675. Case closed, he can keep his heap. I will keep on looking for a cream puff. Its got to be out there somewhere.