volvo s80 2.9 auto gearbox with a fault, can anybody help?

Question

I have a Volvo S80 2.9 Automatic that is reporting a fault in its gearbox but nobody seems able to identify the code. It hasn't gone into standard safe mode as it allows use of first gear and reverse only. Prior to going wrong it worked perfectly, then just suddenly lost all but first gear. Has anybody encountered a similar problem to this before or know what may cause this problem?

Because I may not be able to fix it and due to nobody being able to supply a 4 speed auto box for the 2.9 if anybody does know where I could locate one in the UK (preferably) I'd love to know. I tried all the websites but most of them respond with a chuckle and a "not even god could locate a used one of those"!!! Any help would certainly be appreciated

Answer 1

first suspect is output shaft speed sensor [does the speedo still work?] if it still does the next thing to check is the communication bus [get wiring diagrams for power-train management and identify wiring and pin terminals shared between engine, transmission, and instrument computers] then check for open circuits shorts to ground [earth] and finally shorts to power , many times very slight corrosion on pin terminals will cause an open, other computers can cause b+shorts that go away when disconnected [instrument panel computer] then resistance test output devices[shift solinoids etc.] some times after you have checked all the powers and grounds and all the devices and sensors you find that the transmission computer has just crapped in the bed. but if you don't check all else first you will put the replacement computer at risk . test methodicaly step by step. you still may have a mechanical failure but i doubt it.

Answer 2

If the transmission you have in your car is one of the automatics with the "manual" shift option then that is a General Motors sourced part. There may be an Opal (or Vuxhaul in the UK) or Saab that uses the same transmission. A lot of S80s have transmission problems so you might be able to talk to your local Volvo dealer and see if they can speak to their Volvo service representative on your behalf. Maybe a special price can be arranged for the factory replacement part.

Answer 3

This gearbox has the S,W E buttons ?It has an inhibitor switch on the side of the gearbox at the input selector shaft.Sound like the switch is faulty.You will need to get the gearbox ECU read and that should tell you that is what the problem is.Changing the switch can be a bit on the tricky side .If unsure take it to the dealer.

Answer 4

The Volvo S80 is a fairly new vehicle so yours might still be under warranty. Take it back to the Volvo dealership and get it fixed.