I have a 2001 S60 2.4T. Currently, everytime when I stepped the brake pedal, I can feel it shifted to lower gear heavily and quick. I did not step the brake too hard, but it feels like choking. When I accelerate, it didn't move and locked for 1 sec. then feel like "choking" again and goes.......Is this the transmission problem or brake problem? By the way, where can I find out to see if the transmission fluid is enough? What ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) should I buy?

Thanks!

 

I think this is the "stop neutral" behavior inherent to your model year. When the car is stopped, it is shifted into neutral. When you step on the accelerator, it is shifted back into gear. This is normal behavior. However, Volvo got enough complaints about it that they decided to upgrade the software to eliminate it. Your dealer can upgrade the software.

There is a dipstick under the lower coolant hose on the driver's side of the car. If you have the 5 speed transmission, it takes the Mobil 3309 aftermarket fluid.

 

Thanks Fisher! By the way, I never have my car for transmission flush, is it necessary? I heard some people said it is, but others said Volvo cars never need to change transmission fluid. What is the truth?

Thanks a lot!

 

There is no magic fluid that lasts forever. I drain and fill my transmission every 15k miles. Takes 3.5 quarts. Keeps the detergency up and the additive pack refreshed. I think most dealers will suggest a flush (a full fluid exchange). I have heard some suggest it at 50k, most at 100k. Perhaps Tech can tell you what he recommends.

A drain-and-fill does not replace all of the fluid. However, if you do a periodic drain-and-fill, it will keep the fluid clean enough that a flush is not necessary. Depending on your mileage, you might consider one or the other.

If you don't feel like doing it yourself,I hear that you can takeyour Mobil 3309 fluid tomost dealers and they will use it, saving you significant $ over using Volvo's fluid.

 

Volvo doesn't reccomend changing the fluid unless it is used for towing. (I know what a crock but thats what they say)

 

I have the same year/model and live far from the nearest dealership. Out of curiosity, do you know an approx cost for the software upgrade?

 

It is usually $30.00 for the software and between .5 to 1.0 labor.

 

Thanks very much for a quick response.

I live far from a dealership but have found my service light has come on now and if I have to take a whole day and go to the dealer, I am thinking about some other work I might get done.