Hello,

Another person who bought a used early 2000’s S60 without reading the writing on the wall. This one has automatic transmission.

I’ve been dealing with the going into neutral at low speeds and light jerking shifting from park for about six months. I wasn’t able to get an appointment with a good Volvo mechanic until recently and their advice was to change the fluid. Then I read many warnings against this approach given what issues I’m having. I went to a transmission specialist for an “final opinion” and he said that it was a common valve issue from this era of Volvos and that I could just keep driving it until it got intolerable. He said since there were no leaks and it wasn’t low, don’t change the fluid.

Today my S60 flashed up a “change transmission oil at next service” message. Yeah, ok.

My question is - do I straight up ignore this message from the car? My second question is: how bad is stage two of this transmission failure and what are the signs? I’m hoping there’s a stage between some bad shifting at low speed vs bad shifting at high speed.

Thanks. I don’t see many of these on the road now and I understand why.

 

1. Yes it's a good idea to change the trans fluid. (with ONLY the correct fluid)
2. Old fluid may not lubricate very well and cause other parts of the transmission to wear faster. And yes valve body problems are common with that transmission, and that trans is used in many different brands of cars.
3. Don't ignore the message - new fluid might keep the clutches or other stuff from wearing - You will need a compatible scan tool to clear that message
4. Your "early 2000s" car is 20 something years old now -

Google "gibbons method" for a procedure many have referred to for transmission changes. Or a couple of simple drain and fills on a regular basis is an easy way to refresh your fluid. A drain and fill usually takes 3.5 quarts. Check the level first and Measure what you take out - to make sure you don't overfill the trans.

 

Thank you very much hoonk for your reply, I very much appreciate it. The volvo place where I’ve been taking it said they won’t change the fluid (even a partial swap) since it’s backfired too many times on them. But this is overall helpful. I have been told this japanese transmission is in a lot of cars, having more success with some than others.

Better luck next time for me!

Cheers