I have a 2001 Volvo C-70. It has 54,000 miles. The automatic transmission failed me on my way to work. I was waiting on an uphill slope at a stop sign, transmission in Drive (I'm pretty sure), foot on brake; when I tried to go, gear had slipped to Neutral and car rolled downhill. I tried Low, 3, & 4- no engagement. I turned off the engine & restarted; Drive engaged, but only temporarily. After 4 (or so) repetitions of above, I finally got it to a safe place off the road.
The shop which has had it since Nov. 17 says I need to replace the transmission = $3,000-$4,000. I really don't believe that is the solution.
History:
1) July- Check Engine light- computer codes indicated fuel cap not tightened correctly. Refueled & capped properly. Warning light does not alert again until November 14. Refueled, tighten cap, warning light still ON.
2) Intermittently ABS or STC lights. Usually restarting car would stop the alert, often, the ABS light would go off after a minute or so. I remember 2 instances where dangerous situations resulted in abnormal braking; ABS light soon afterward started intermittent alerts. Codes indicated it was not receiving signal (I think~July & Sept. reset each time)
3) STC light has come on twice appropriately during slick uphill situations (not recently).
4) Nov.14- ABS, STC & Check Engine lights come on. Check Engine stays on, ABS & STC intermittently, ABS more than STC. When STC light ON, dashboard STC controller disabled. Refueled, Check Engine remains illuminated.
5) Nov.15- Computer codes reflect inter-relatedness of the 3 lights and recommend replacing speed sensor (haven't yet). Lights reset-none come on.
6) Nov.15- Refueled before coming home, but I forgot to shut off the engine until after a few gallons were added (why? can't answer-it surprised me too). Shut off engine; finished filling the tank.
7) My driveway is very steep, dirt with some rocks and ruts. Every morning starts with the downhill. I use "L" gear and usually need to brake during the ABS system check.
8) Nov.17- Morning commute- starts ok, no Check Engine light even after fueling mishap; no warning lights illuminated.
9) Transmission fails as described above.
10) Information received: Diagnostic tool receives NO messages from transmission; no leakage of ATF; some turbo fluid has leaked; ATF darkened and slight burnt odor; First 15-30 seconds after starting engine, troubling noise audible from transmission area; Transmission needs replacement, this shop does not do this work-plans to send to different shop.
11) The consulting "specialist" said the ATF should NOT be changed, especially not flushed. He strongly recommends Tranny replacement (new Volvo factory transmission). Also says some of the transmissions made in Asia have been problematic and below standard. Origin of transmission not yet known.

I will gladly offer my reasons and deductions as to why I don't agree with the diagnosis, but I doubt if my ignorance will enlighten or amuse you.

Any recommendations, suggestions or referral to a shop in San Mateo County (California)?

Thanks, I really want to get this taken care of appropriately

dkh