Good Eve,

The names Caleb and I'm from Vancouver, Can. I'm looking to become a member of the Volvo Family but some big decisions lie ahead.

I've budgeted myself for ~$5000CAD and found a 2002 S60 (2.5T?) AWD in my price range. I'm pretty excited for the find. The mileage is 93xxxKM's (~58xxxMI), super low!! The car is mint, interior is nearly 10/10. Exterior 8/10 maybe (it was sun down so I didn't get good lighting). Engine bay is clean and the owner says its had regular maintenance.

There's a catch though, the dreaded tranny slippage/flare-up/rough shifting!! The PO was nice enough to mention it over the phone before I even set foot on the pedal. He also said that it had been going on for a few months. He drives the car once or twice a week maybe, I think the tranny may have scared him. I met the PO this evening and everything started great, smooth and quiet ride. 5 mins in, the first hard shift. A few mins later, a flare up. It didn't happen every start and stop, but it was frequent enough to feel it. Down shifting was noticeable too. I put it in manual and it didn't seem as harsh but I didn't want to push my luck, especially down shifting manually. High speeds weren't a factor, just the stop-n-go stuff.

I've spent the last 2 days reading, and reading, and filtering comments about the issue. I have found very useful info (all on this forum too! Thanks!). I know that draining and filling[Mobil 3309 ATF] the tranny(not flushing!) 3 times, while driving the car around the block between D&F's can help it along, not reverse the damage done. I also read about replacing the B4 Servo Cover with a updated model. Thirdly, after replacing the B4 SC, I could hit up Volvo and have them reset or update the TCM.

This all sounds fine and dandy and I have no problem doing this myself and monitoring it frequently. What I need to know from you guys if these methods will add a few years until I have the money to rebuild/purchase a transmission or should I assume that the tranny is passed the threshold and is shot?

Semi-minor issue with the power steering. I haven't had the chance to do as much research on the issue but I did notice a fair bit of fluid on the PS resevoir hose and it has trickled down to the belly of the car, near the passenger side wheel well etc. The owner told me he changed the pump and the car makes a pretty loud noise when cranking the wheel. I Figured this is minor compared to the AT and hopefully manageable on the "fix it" scale. *Weigh ins welcome*

I've never been a Volvo guy but I'm familiar with Euro cars and the love/hate relationship(current DD is a 87 325is), should I even bother pursuing this car or am I getting myself into a heap of Aspirin?

On a lighter note, I did notice that the bushing in the upper motor mount was worn and I could replace that for improved performance. Could that enhance the rough shifting movement?

Anyway, That's all I could think of at this godly hour. Any and all suggestions are welcome! Just be civil, I am a n00b after all!

CH

 

36 Hours, 94 Views, and not a single response?!

...Bueller? .....Bueller?

 

Hey Caleb.

The car you found sounds nice. That is really low mileage!

I'm not a mechanic but I've owned my '01 for 6.5 years and have done plenty of maintenance on it. Mine is a FWD non-turbo, not the 2.4T AWD that you are considering. Here are my thoughts.

It's always a risk when buying a used car, especially when there are obvious issues. I'm not a psychic but I would say with the low mileage and age of the car that performing the steps you mentioned would help. Also replacing the upper engine mount (mentioned) as well as the transmission torque mount will no doubt help. The rubber in the strut bar mount has probably worn out as well - you can check by rocking the strut bar back and forth.

If the PS pump was JUST replaced, it could have air in the lines, making the noise. Otherwise have the owner turn the wheel a few times while you listen. It may not be PS. If a strut bearing completely crapped out it could make noise.

If you have any questions on the parts mentioned just speak up.

 

I did NOT read the entire thread/post, seeing the tranny problem was enough for me. RUN!!! I have heard so many negative things about the tranny's in the '01 & '02 models that I would simply avoid those years unless you have the extra $$$ to change them at will.