I am driving a 2001 S40 and I had it more than 4 times in the shop since I bought it not even a year ago. Right now it drives ok except one problem that kinda goes on my nerves. When I slow down, like rolling out to a red light and I dont push the gas or the breaks the car is shifting VERY hard at around 15 or 20 mph. Its an automatic transmission. When I accelerate there are no problems at all only when the car is rolling. Its not doing it all the time but at least once every 30min. Its really going on my nerves in the traffic jam. I had it at the dealer because of that but they told me it was driving ok when they test drove it. Any ideas? Any help would be great!

Thank You!

wow seems like a really wierd problem since nobody here has an answer..... :lol:

If it was me i would take it back to the dealers as it sound like they are trying to fob you off

dude, isn't there a lemon law in georgia? here in ny, three times and they can't fix it, you get a new one. have you checked the tranny fluid level? not the dealership, you. try another dealership. is it under warranty? if so, the hell with it, have them keep doing it until it gets fixed. if it's not under warranty, call volvo NA and get on their asses.

There was a TSB issued a while back about the power-train control unit causing shift problems. Hard down-shifts were one of the issues if I remember correctly. Problem is they make a revised control unit, but it is expensive to replace. Our cars can't be fixed with downloads like the newer S40's.

I have a problem with slipping from 2nd to 3rd gear occasionally. It has been doing it since I bought it and has never gotten worse.

If i am coasting to a stop I have the same down-shift you explain but mine is not real hard but is noticeable for sure.

If it's clunking when it down-shifts I would check your motor mounts too, that will intensify the effect if the motor is jumping when it shifts.

Transmission Controls - AW55-50 Harsh 3-2 Downshift

NO: 43-36

DATE: 1-07-2005
MODEL/YEAR:
MY 2001-2004 S/V 40

SUBJECT:
S/V 40; Harsh 3-2 Downshift, 2-3 Upshift flare

This TNN supersedes the previous 43-36, dated 1-28-2003. Please update your files.

The tool for reloading 2001-2004 S/V 40 TCM's will not function with VADIS 2004 F edition and later.

DESCRIPTION:

S/V 40 cars equipped with the AW55-50 automatic transmission may exhibit an intermittent harsh 3-2 downshift. This symptom may be described as a bang or thump in the car while slowing down.

These cars may also exhibit 2-3 upshift flare. This shift flare could be described by the customer as the transmission slipping, the car feeling like it was in neutral for a short time, the tachometer needle jumping up or the engine racing during a shift.

Also, the SW in the new Transmission Control Module (TCM) adds the Control Module Adaptation function to the car. The 'Arrow' light is used to indicate a 'perfect shift'. A perfect shift is one where the TCM has reached its adaptation target for that particular shift.

SERVICE:



If a customer complains of one or more of the above symptoms, replace the TCM with the part number shown.

These TCM's are pre-loaded with SW and do not need to be loaded with VADIS. Perform CONTROL MODULE ADAPTATION according to the procedure in VADIS.

good call from s40guy