Volvo S80 Transmission Problems & Cost | AW55-50SN / 4T65E

The Volvo S80 was equipped with the Aisin AW55-50SN (AF3) and 4T65E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Volvo S80 transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

Volvo S80 Transmission Models

Volvo S80: AW55-50SN Transmission
Volvo S80: 4T65E Transmission ** Note: Certain Volvo 4T65E models are generally higher priced than standard GM 4T65E’s in the marketplace.

Volvo S80 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 Volvo S80 Transmission:

TransmissionStreet Smart Transmission
4T65E1935

** Note: Certain Volvo 4T65E models are generally higher priced in the marketplace than standard GM 4T65E models due to specialized internal parts including the valve body. 4T65E prices above may not be 100% accurate until priced out at that particular vendor.

What are the DTC codes related to Volvo S80 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 S80 Transmission Recalls

None Found

Volvo S80 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)

None Found

Common Problems with the Volvo S80 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 S80 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 S80 transmission need to be replaced?

The overall lifespan of a Volvo S80 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 S80 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 S80 transmission issues diagnosed?

It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Volvo S80 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 S80 transmission replaced?

In order to replace your Volvo S80 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 S80 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 S80 transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.

How to Solve Volvo S80 Transmission Problems

Solution A: Buy a Used Volvo S80 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 S80 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 S80 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.

Need a replacement transmission? Get an estimate for replacement transmissions and local installation. Look up your transmission model by vehicle make and model.

What Transmission Do I Have?

What Problem Does Your Volvo S80 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!

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Ron D Crutcher
2 years ago

2000 s80 T6 P1618 cable fault between AW 50-Q2 tcm / tcm-000b Gear shift solenoid S1. Hydraulic fault. I pulled side cover (4t65e) and replace solenoids still same problem. After a few minutes of driving go’s in limp mode. Is this a TCM problem?

Sonya Manuel-Parrish
3 years ago

Just had an ATF because I was experiencing some gear slippage after driving the car for 30 minutes or more. After the ATF I still experienced gear slips and then the check engine light came on with the “transmission service needed” message. Took it to the mechanic that did the ATF and they said they thought it needed a mass airflow sensor replaced. Not feeling confident in their assessment, I had auxins run a scan and codes P0700 & P0811 came up. Wondering if it may be solenoids or the PNP switch? 2005 Volvo S80 2.5T 5 cylinder

Anonymous
2 years ago

Mine has similar problem did u ever figure it out

Marci Gallagher
3 years ago

The transmission was replaced but never reprogrammed. It slips and bangs into gear. Is the new used transmission ruined because it wasnt reprogrammed?

John Bowden
3 years ago

I have a 2003 volvo s80 t6 and the issue is that it will start no problem but sometimes it will go in to gear and other times wont. It has problems shifting, such as with have to go into high rpms and not change gear. The other day it just completely stopped going into gear no matter how much gas u give it. Should I hook up a diagnostic computer to it first? Could it be an issue with the clutch or maybe need a new computer or transmission?

KA
3 years ago

2001 Volvo S80 Transmission Service Urgent. When mechanic read code no codes were displayed?

Adel owen
4 years ago

Hi,my auto gearbox for Volvo t6 s80 model 2000 sometimes has stuck shift solenoid on second gear, but we I get this stuck I stop the car then I started after that back to normal, any advice for this problem plz.

Shrives
4 years ago

2007 volvo S80 V8, my transmission screeches like a belt would. It doesn’t do it all the time. And it has trouble in 2nd and 3rd gear sometimes. No trouble codes. It shifts hard. Help

Anonymous
2 years ago
Reply to  Shrives

Me too

Salah m qurt
5 years ago

hello i have a s80 t6 twin turbo 2000 with 67000 miles the car in a good condition just replaced the radiator… i just noticed that when i want to start the car an turn on the ignition switch the oil lamp goes off befor i start the engine… an how many quarter the transmission takes… thank you

Sam Styles
5 years ago

Hi we have a 2001 s80 with 75 000 original miles. We are having a issue with it not starting, after sitting for two days. We took it to the dealer. They kept it for two months and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with it.

Robert matusz
4 years ago
Reply to  Sam Styles

Matusz 2010 s80 noise on left front wheel. Saw 4. Different mechanics. Springs,wheel breaking fender cover struts rims balance tires shocks. Same noise no better. 4000.00 later

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