Fluctuating RPM at 60mph
 

I just picked up a 2000 S80 T6 and noticed when I am cruising at specifically 60mph the rpm's go from about 2k-2800 for no reason, I am just cruising on the gas... why does this happen? Is this a sign of Transmission failure?

Does your speed increase when it revs up? You have standard or auto trans? Any noises out of ordinary when this happens?

The speed stays the same, It's an automatic, noise is the same as if it was downshifting to a lower gear, but I doubt its a lower gear since the rpm changes be about 500rpm or so. It's almost life if it was downshifting to a gear in between 4th and 3rd gear (4-speed automatic)

It feels almost like the feeling you get on a manual transmission when the clutch is slipping.

Weird part is my throttle position is constant the while time while this happens...

there are a few things that come to mind... when I had a chevy aveo 5speed, i had this happen to me. the clutch felt strong and i diagnosed my problem to be a throttle position sensor. for volvos, it may be your mass-airflow sensor is going crazy and giving false readings to the computer, or the throttlebody(ETM) may be very dirty. try cleaning it out with seafoam spray or TB cleaner, thats what i did to my aveo (used an old toothbrush to gently brush the top of the sensor and cleaned the throttle body plate)and that solved the problem. worst case scenario, is to replace the whole darned thing(for the aveo that was a $170 part). if it is a tranny problem, which it very well may be, it could be anything and a trip to a trans repair shop may be in order, just for a diagnosis. the older volvos 1999/2000 always seem to have trans problems. it could be a solenoid, or the 4th gear going out etc... have you checked the fluid? flushed and refilled? any check engine or warning lights? I am not a trans expert. rebuilt my 700r4 for my caprice, but that was cake compared to one of these. I dont want to sound like a know-it-all, just trying to put in my advice, I hate seeing unanswered posts.

Yea, I just have to get it checked out by a mechanic I guess, I hope its not the Tranny... I hear that sometimes its a software issue that controls the tranny and that the dealer can update it for free. I just hope its not the tranny though

ETM going out

I found this vid online showing what happens

So ETM huh? How much will that be to get replaced? :(

I bought the Volvo about a couple weeks ago, I do remember the previous owner letting me know that he had the throttle body software updated, I don't know if that's related to the issue...

etm or got a speed sensor out of wack

ETM will cost upwards from 200 dollars and will require a software update to run properly. Try cleaning it first, maybe a quick fix.

Cool, I'll try cleaning it.. If not I may have to just sell it. I didn't know S80's were so problematic and high maintenance, It was an impulse buy I guess... I don't think its such a great car for a broke college student :(

always do research before buying anything..whether it be a simple as LED or buying a car. look over the forums, ask question and then go ahead and buy the car. That way you will be comfortable with the purchase..
You should have done your homework and searched some info on S80 models and find out which year have the least problems and which year has most problems. Do not care if the car has great deal. The research doesn't take that long.
That is what i did..i knew S80 are known for troubles but the car had a very good deal too. After doing some search i found out that 2005-2006 had less of problem than older years.
If you done some search i dont think you would have purchased the car.

Any car is high maintenence if the previous owner didn't take care of it. Volvos are known to last, they are very durable and other than high parts cost, are just as easy to maintain.