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2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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kate.henley02
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Jan 14, 2016, 1:33 PM
Post #1 of 17
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2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Hey everyone! I have an automatic transmission problem and am looking for some advice/any info. The car is a 2000 Volvo s40 with 120,000 miles on it. Not sure the engine size but to my knowledge there is only one? If not I can try to check if it helps.
Ok, so whats wrong?
My check engine light came on a few weeks ago and I had the code read for a P0734 - Gear 4 Incorrect Ratio.
Obviously I had no idea what this meant so I went to the Volvo dealer. I needed this code "fixed" in order for my car to pass inspection in Las Vegas so they did some sort of flush or something (I have the paperwork at home and can check later) and the code went away. The mechanic let me know that this didn't actually fix the transmission but may have helped some.
The car is experiencing some issues as described below:
1. When idling at a traffic light or something similar it will occasionally vibrate on and off for a few seconds
2. While driving it feels like it "slips" a little, but not always. It is most notable when I get to right around 60mph and may feel like it slips 3-5 times trying to get up to highway speed. This happens maybe every other or every 1/3 times I try to get to these speeds. Other times it gets there easily with no noticeable problems.
I also very occasionally feel it slipping at lower speeds but nothing consistent or at a certain speed. This is less common.
I do not notice many other signs of something wrong. There is no unusual sounds like grinding/hissing/etc. Nothing smells unusual. Temperature gauge is always alright. Transmission fluid is full/not dirty/no debris.
I am aware that the transmission is probably on its way out. I have no disillusion about this. My big questions are:
1. About how long can this car last like this? (I know theres no exact answer but an approximate would be awesome)
2. Can I do anything (without costing too much) to help this transmission last longer? Avoid certain speeds/highways? Let off the gas while shifting?
I really need to try to get this car to last 6 month - 1 year if at all possible for financial reasons. Any and all help is appreciated! If you have questions I can answer to help please let me know!!
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gsferraro
Veteran
Jan 14, 2016, 4:42 PM
Post #2 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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There are a few choices of what trans you have, If possible could you post your vin number, i have a program on my computer that will i.d the trans, its either a 4 speed or 5 speed auto. Gary
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kate.henley02
Novice
Jan 14, 2016, 5:56 PM
Post #3 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Sure!
YV1VS2559YF480509
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gsferraro
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Jan 14, 2016, 6:41 PM
Post #4 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Thanks,
This trans is a 4 speed called a 50-42LE. The p0734 code means that computer sees a gear ratio error in 4th(slips in 4th), This trans is computer controlled and nothing can really be done. How long will it last? cant really say, how bad is the slip going into 4th? for now release the gas as it shifts into 4th may by you some time. On this trans you cant even change the filter.
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kate.henley02
Novice
Jan 15, 2016, 1:53 PM
Post #5 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Thanks for the help even though I wish it was better news! :)
On a 4 speed like this, around what mph would 4th gear kick in? I know I've noticed the slipping around 60 mph but should i start paying attention to it slipping at a different speed?
Also, do you think the transmission will last longer if I keep it out of 4th gear entirely? If the other gears are "okay" and only use those will it help it last a lot longer?
(This post was edited by kate.henley02 on Jan 15, 2016, 3:01 PM)
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gsferraro
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Jan 15, 2016, 3:20 PM
Post #6 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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4Th gear should come in around 45mph, 60mph is very late, when you say you feel it slip, what do you feel or see? do the engine rpm's raise up? The only code that you know of thats in there is the 734 code? Gary
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kate.henley02
Novice
Jan 15, 2016, 3:55 PM
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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I don't see anything with the rpm's that I've noticed but can look again when it happens. It feels like its almost struggling to get into that gear and cant get up to speed like a normal car would. I noticed the last day or so that if I accelerate extra slow when getting up to speed I don't feel it slipping as much/if at all.
Will staying out of 4th gear help the transmission last longer? I could go a different way to work that will only add 5-10 minutes to my commute if it means I can get a few more months out of this old thing!
There was another code (I forget it right now) but the mechanic described to me that basically there was oil leaking onto the timing belt real slow. I think the code was something about CAM stuff.. That was gonna cost about $1800 to fix and I'm not trying to put anymore money into the car.
The mechanic (Volvo dealer) said that the timing belt would eventually go if the oil keeps leaking on it however that I should be more worried about the transmission. He made it sound like the timing belt would last long enough.
A note on that.. I haven't seen the oil level decrease anything notable in the last month of driving it. I've been checking twice a week just in case.
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gsferraro
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Jan 15, 2016, 4:42 PM
Post #8 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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You can drive with the overdrive off, this would not apply the direct clutch, of course you would be using more gas, but see what happens when you feel the car slip, usually you would have an increase in engine rpm. Gary
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kate.henley02
Novice
Jan 15, 2016, 4:46 PM
Post #9 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Okay, I will try to notice what happens over the next couple of drives and will let you know. Thank you so much for helping!
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gsferraro
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Jan 16, 2016, 5:05 AM
Post #10 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Your welcome
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kate.henley02
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Jan 19, 2016, 3:44 PM
Post #11 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Ok so over the weekend I didn't really get a chance to merge into 60+ mph due to traffic and such. However I did notice that I feel the same "slipping" feeling when I tend to "floor" it or just accelerate quickly into any gear. It happened once or so when starting from a complete stop and trying to quickly accelerate but it also happened around 35+ mph when quickly accelerating...
Is this still the transmission? Does it mean its worse than I thought? Or will it last/its not the transmission as long as I very slowly accelerate into each gear?
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gsferraro
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Jan 19, 2016, 5:07 PM
Post #12 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Hello,
When you felt the slipping, did you see an increase in engine rpm?
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kate.henley02
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Jan 19, 2016, 5:51 PM
Post #13 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Oh yeah, I did pay attention to that and no, the rpm did not really change much. It mostly slipped when I reached around 3 rpm however it did not increase at all while slipping or anytime around it. But I never felt it slip at 2 1/2 rpm or less, only up around 3
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gsferraro
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Jan 20, 2016, 2:22 AM
Post #14 of 17
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Well, with the 734 code that was present, you have something going on, could be the start of the trans on its way out. driving the car without heavy acceleration, it drives ok? just wondering if the code came back yet(the P0734).
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kate.henley02
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Jan 20, 2016, 2:38 PM
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Yeah, its drives alright without heavy acceleration. Not great still but better then otherwise.
I'm not sure if the code is back yet. The light was on for about a week and I'm not sure if its the transmission code or if it was the one related to the timing belt.. But then it will be gone once in a while also while driving. Seems to come and go
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gsferraro
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Jan 20, 2016, 4:43 PM
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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I would think if your easy with the car, you should get some time out of it. Gary
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kate.henley02
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Jan 20, 2016, 4:47 PM
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Re: 2000 Volvo s40 Transmission Problem!
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Ok, like I said before I'm hoping for at least 6 months but closer to a year would be a lot better financially for me to keep this car going.
Thank you for the help! I do appreciate it!
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