I recently just purchased a 2001 S60 with ~107K miles - after 3 weeks of ownershipI have experienced difficulty driving it in stop and go situations -i.e. parking lots- the RPM would spike and sometimes the car would jump forward. I have no problems driving this car at high speeds or short distances at first; it seems to progressively get worse the longer I drive the car.

The check engine light has come on 3 times however each time the mechanic tells me there is nothing wrong with the transmission(or anything else major)and the light was on for other minor reasons (i.e. crack gas cap).

I do know the timing belt needs to be replaced - and I am wondering if that could be the reason for the difficult driving. The check engine light came on again yesterday but I would like to take it in this time and have them check for specific things - any thoughts?

Thanks for the help!

 

I would clean the throttle body and see if that helps.