From my experience, it does make a big difference. I also strongly recommend getting the TCM update. With the B4 servo cover update, IPD strongly recommends a software update. There are probably good indie shops that can do the update as well. The update is usually best done at a Volvo dealer since it requires the expensive Volvo VADIS system. Like the B4 servo cover, the software has undergone numerous changes. The description of this product states, "It's ironic how this inexpensive part can save someone from a costly transmission replacement."Īnother cause of the problems is related to the TCM (transmission control module), the computer that controls the transmission. However, I believe the cover has something to do with the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid inside the transmission that affects the shifting behavior. To the non-technical eye, there are only minor visible differences between an old B4 servo cover and the new one, and it can be hard to believe these changes would make any difference in the mechanical function of the transmission. states that "the latest design is stock on later models" but doesn't specify which models exactly, later stating that 2004 and newer models "usually" aren't affected. So, even if you don't have the oldest and presumably most flawed B4 servo cover, it still may not be the latest and greatest. According to, Volvo changed the design of the cover multiple times, presumably before coming to the optimal design. After problems started cropping up, Volvo learned, and they started redesigning the B4 servo cover. Generally, the later the year model, the less flawed the design of the B4 servo cover is likely to be. Early transmissions, like the Aisin Warner AW55-50/51SN in my 2002 S60 T5, apparently have the most problems. The problem lies in the design of the B4 servo cover. A B4 servo cover is on automatic transmissions in 2001-2009 S60s. The B4 servo cover is literally a round piece of metal that is a cover for the B4 piston mechanism. Have the transmission software updated.Perform a transmission flush or drain-and-fill.Ideally, they should be done around the same time. They are listed in the order I performed them, but there isn't necessarily a specific order that needs to be followed. I consider them a "three-legged stool" with each one just as important as the others. In fact, prevention of these problems is ideal since it means there is likely no physical damage, which cannot be reversed by this process. They are substantially cheaper than a rebuild or replacement and are the main focus here, though you should take note of these solutions to prevent problems even if you haven't experienced any yet. There are three primary services you can perform to remedy these problems short of rebuilding or replacing the transmission altogether. In my personal experience, I noticed much more pronounced flares after going through a lot of stop-and-go traffic, when the lower gears are shifting up and down a lot. Shift flares occur randomly, although you may find some correlation between flaring and other events, or environmental factors such as temperature. This is apparently where most of the physical damage is likely to occur to the transmission. When a shift flare occurs, the engine revs high, since the car is essentially in neutral, so that once the next gear finally engages, it slams into gear hard, shuddering the car. Your foot stays on the accelerator as you expect a smooth transition between gears. This can be a frightening situation when unexpected. After a few seconds of delay, the next gear engages. Instead of shifting smoothly and seamlessly, the transmission is goes into "neutral" with no gear engaged. I have very limited automotive knowledge, and I apologize in advance if I have misinterpreted or wrongly assumed anything.Ī shift flare occurs when the transmission shifts from one gear to another (usually between gears 2 to 3). What you will find below was gained through this forum, other websites, notably (an online Volvo parts dealer), and my own experience with a 2002 S60 T5 with 125,000 miles. I broke it up into sections to allow you to quickly scan through the information. I hope people of all experience levels will find this useful. It is basically a compilation/summary of a large amount of knowledge dispersed online. It is intended to be a complete primer for anyone who only knows that problems exist and very little else. This is an attempt at producing a complete, thorough guide to solving automatic transmission shifting problems on Volvo S60s, 2002-2009. (Please see section 4.2 if you intend to leave a response. I decided to start it under a new topic so that this "guide" will be at the front and anyone can comment after. This post is my conclusion to a another one I started on here ( ).
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