Ok, been reading this forum for about a year. This is my wife's car, I just keep it on the road, don't drive it much, and don't know much about it.

For the past six months there has been an occasional "shudder" between 2-3, upshift only. I've had the filter/fluid replaced, using the new "drain" technique with the hoses and all that stuff. (very different from how we used to do it, that's for sure).

No real changes, still the occasional shudder. Then, I read here that I should have the software updated. Took it to the dealer today, and was told that it has the latest updates and they couldn't replicate the problem. (No kidding). Good news is they waived the bill, they usually charge a half hour labor just to look at it.

So. I've read over and over that these trans have issues. I bought the car a year ago knowing that they had issues and got a good buy because of it. I paid 7k for it with 62,000 miles. Has 75k on it now. So, if it fails, no bitching from me, I went into this with my eyes wide open. And, it's been a good car for us, and my wife loves it. I don't, but I don't drive it either.

This issue occurs much more frequently with me driving than it does with my wife driving. Clearly getting your foot into it affects it. I also think the outside temperature and whether the engine is hot/cold affects it also. Seems to be more frequent when it is warm outside and the engine is warm.

What would you guys recommend that I do with it to prolong any transmission failure? I've read about, and used auto RX in my Mercedes. It stopped the infernal "ticking" noise in my motor. While I realize that product will remove any build up or varnish, I'm curious if that could be the cause of what I'm experiencing.

Tech, you've been a wealth of information. Thank you for the previous suggestions that I found. Anything else you've got, (or anyone else too) would be much appreciated.

I can replace parts, and follow directions, but couldn't diagnose anything on my own....

thanks in advance.

 

forgot to mention that the dealer found no codes set/stored in it either when they checked it over today.

 

You might have a Valve body issue. One of the valves ot soleniods might be sticking.

 

So, is that something that I can fix, or should I look to a shop? I've got a shop that can do simple things, but isn't really geared up to do major things. dealer was fair, but is very expensive.

(just got back into town from the holidays.... thanks for the reply)

 

If the fluid looks really dirty then I might try changing the fluid first.

 

That was the 1st thing I did when the shudder started. Got about 3k on fresh fluid and filter, changed with the newfangled machine that changes all the fluid.

 

Does the car have the latest software?
Is it low at all?

 

Yes, car has the latest software and the transmission is full of fluid, and it is clean. When the fluid was changed the shop did not notice anything abnormal about the fluid, or deposits in the pan either.

 

Must be an internal fault then.

 

There is a tech note about this. It is the STH line pressure solenoid. It describes the problem your are having exactly. Mine and my wifes S80's have both had them replaced.
Dan

 

1999 S80 T6

This is the exact problem my car has since I bought it (6 months ago). But lately, I observed that the car is not juddering sometimes. This has been happening since 3-4 weeks; but still judders 50% of the time.

Vadis says:

Background:
The customer may complain about juddering during up shifts from 2nd to 3rd gears and sometimes between 1st and 2nd and between 3rd and 4th gears. This Service Bulletin describes fault-tracing and corrective action. If necessary refer to the methods in VIDA. An updated method for replacing the line pressure solenoid (STH solenoid) can be found in this Service Bulletin.

Affected cars:
Model Factory Chassis number
S80 1 000580 - 070000

STH-solenoid: P # 9480638


Question:
If volvo knows that the above mentioned chassis numbers are affected, why didn't Volvo consider a recall or something to fix the problem with no cost to the customer? Isn't it clearly a manufacturing/design flaw?

 

My transmission went bad on my 99 S80 2.9 last spring at 114K miles. These are justbad nsmissions made for GM. I had to spend $3,500 plus tax for a new one.

 

1999 S80 T6

If you want to DIY, I read the following in another forum:

"That selenoid is located inside the side cover of the gearbox. This means to gain access to that, a lot needs to be removed like
- ACL housing, air pipes & hoses
- torque rods
- front wheels, front suspension & splash guards
- pipes, subframes, engine mounts
- lowering the engine
- also gasket needs to be replaced when taking it off
Quite difficult for a non-tech. Probably a days work for an experienced Volvo tech."

Is that true? Can it be done by a non-volvo tech??
Also what gasket is being referred to here for replacement?

Lowering the engine is the scary part. Sounds as if the job is big and complicated.
Thanks guys.

 

Yes it is a pain.
It can be done by a Non-Volvoi tech as long as they have the tools to support and lower the engine once the subframe is removed.
Volvo says the Side cover gasket can be reused once.
It is about 1 days work or most of the day for a decent Volvo Tech.

 

Just saw the post on the transmission shudder. I have a 2000 S80T6 purchased new. It has always had the trans shudder you describe (both the first and second transmission). My dealer said it was a software issue. Adjusted the software at 37m miles (updated software function ID 761). Small improvement. Learned to live with it. Had to put in new trans at 106,808 miles ($4332). Exact same shudder in the new trans. Dealer has never mentioned the STH line pressure solenoid. Can't wait for my next visit to the dealer.