The Volvo S60 was equipped with the Aisin AW55-50SN (AF3) and AW55-51 transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Volvo S60 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Volvo S60 Transmission Models
Volvo S60: AW55-50SN Transmission
Volvo S60: AW55-51 Transmission
Volvo S60 Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
Replacement AW55-50SN Transmission:
| Transmission | Street Smart Transmission |
What are the DTC codes related to Volvo S60 transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Volvo S60 Transmission Recalls
None Found
Volvo S60 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Volvo S60 Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Volvo S60 can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Volvo S60 transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Volvo S60 transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Volvo S60 transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Volvo S60 transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Volvo S60 transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Volvo S60 transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Volvo S60 transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Volvo S60 transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Volvo S60 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Volvo S60 Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Volvo S60 Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Volvo S60 Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Volvo S60 Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Volvo S60 Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
I have a 2005 volvo s60 R 5 five speed automatic. Once driven for 30-45mins in the city it will hard shift into second then long delay shifting hard into 3rd at certain RPMS along with doing the same with 4th. But during the colder months it did non of that. (From Indiana)
I don’t have any codes coming up, but the car will lurch forward from a complete stop
I have a 2006 s60. The “reduced engine performance” light came on and I lost power. After backing into a safe spot it coughed and putted but never died. I turned off . Sat . It cooled . Started ran better. No problems 23 miles home. No codes on computer show up. Now what? Any suggestions?
I have a 2006 S60 with about 158,000 miles. I was at a red light when all of the sudden I heard a loud noise coming out of the transmission box. I was not able to drive the car after that. Any ideas?
Bad transmission VOLVO s60 T5 AWD 2013:
I purchased a used s60 2013 T5 AWD. within 2 weeks of drive, i reported to the dealer that the car behaves like a Manual transmission and backs fast in a slope. I have had many cars before and haven’t experienced such issue, the transmission of gears was hard and especially the car rolls back in a slanting road.
So far it has been a month, Dealer agreed that the transmission has gone bad and also agreed to replace with a used 50k transmission. dealer also gave me a 2019 s60 AWD T5 and i am driving it for a month and still haven’t heard from the dealer. This seems to be a known issue from what i have seen from other Voovl s60 forums.
My Volvo S60 says Transmissiin service required’ I understand it needs reprogramming!
Do you know what this should cost ?
I have a volvo S60 D2. Reduce engine performance came up after i had rebuild the engine
I have a Volvo S60 AWD (aw55-51sn) the car has gone into limp mode. Code pulled was TCM-002F. I have replaced the valve body with an reman/updated and reman solenoids and new fluid. First drive left me in limp mode again with the Same code. All codes had previously been erased. Should my next step be a new Torque Converter?
S60 04 2.T AWD p700 code and from vida tcm 002f, flare shifting from 3nd to 3rd, limp mode activated always when driving hills, 3309 atf flushed, no depris or metals on the magnetic filter, note: car was serviced for a dexron atf fluid which is incompatible with aw51, could the valve body needs replacing? Or i need to replace the whole transmission?
i have a 2002 volvo s60 d5. i drove to the shop fine. when i went to come home i noticed the lights for the gear selector stopped working. when putting it into drive it says it is in park on the dashboard. it seems to be slower to respond than usual. you have to push the pedal down mre to get it to go.
2006 volvo s6 2.5t fwd transmission slipping at 2000 to 3000 rpm once warmed up seems to work great while cold