Volvos can develop issues with their automatic transmissions that cause them to eventually fail. The transmission is responsible for monitoring the gear ratio between your vehicle’s drive wheels and encouraging the engine to adjust to varying car speeds.
If your automatic transmission fails, it will be a costly repair to fix. You’ll need help as soon as possible to get your Volvo back on the road. Let’s take a look at how you can tell if automatic transmission failure may be impending and how you can correct this problem with help from professionals in this field.
Recognizing Transmission Trouble Early
Your Volvo’s transmission is an important powertrain component, one that your vehicle relies on to function daily. When trouble arises with this major piece of equipment, it is time to call in the professionals. Spotting a problem with your transmission early on can save you money and keep this type of malfunction from damaging other parts of your Volvo. Symptoms of a faulty transmission only get worse with time and consistent driving.
Here are some of the most common signs your transmission may be wearing down:
- Gear Shifting Becomes Difficult: Your Volvo’s transmission is responsible for shifting gears, so when this task becomes more strenuous chances are your transmission is having issues. Common culprits of this problem include transmission fluid type or quality, as well as specific transmission components, such as the clutch.
- Weird Noises: Unfamiliar noises always signify a potential problem, especially when they are occurring in your transmission. Humming, grinding, or clunking is indicative of larger problems with your Volvo’s transmission. Be sure to pay attention to these noises when your transmission is in neutral, too.
- Slipping Gears or Hesitation in Shifting: If your Volvo’s gears are slipping or there is hesitation in shifting, your transmission is not working properly. Designed to shift at a specific RPM, changes in this reaction can indicate a problem detecting when to shift.
- Check Engine Light Comes On: This is a direct indication that your transmission is having trouble, and your Volvo is sensitive to even the slightest changes that confirm this.
- Burning Smells or Leaking Fluid: Transmission fluid helps gears shift smoothly in your transmission, so if it is leaking out it can’t do its job properly. An overheating transmission may also have a burning smell that can’t be ignored.
Automatic Transmission Problems In Your Volvo Should Be Addressed Quickly
We have touched on the fact that transmission repairs can be costly, but they are also time-consuming. Access to the transmission, education about its intricate parts, and careful maneuvering are required to properly repair the transmission of a Volvo.
If the problem is with bad transmission fluid, getting it out of your vehicle promptly is encouraged. Also, salvaging other parts of your vehicle that a malfunctioning transmission can damage is of utmost importance. There are many reasons why you should get your transmission problems taken care of quickly, but the main reason is to get back on the road again in a reliable version of your Volvo.
Common Solutions For Automatic Transmission Repair in Volvos
Of course, you should never try to fix your Volvo’s automatic transmission yourself. This should be left to trained and experienced professionals. However, it can help to know what the typical solutions are, so you can rest assured your mechanic is fixing your Volvo properly.
- Gearbox Issues: A variety of Volvo models are known to have problems with their gearbox. Rough and erratic shifting, as well as gear loss, have been reported as common issues.
- Shift Adaptation: This can be the cause for hard shifting and can occur when a Volvo update is needed. The good news is that after an update is performed, the shift adaptation can be reset.
- Torque Converter Damage: The bearings in a torque converter can become easily damaged, which can be discovered when the transmission fluid is changed.
- Bad Solenoid: Responsible for managing the flow rate of transmission fluid, solenoids can restrict the flow of fluid to the gears if they are damaged.
Dell’s Service Center for Automatic Transmission Failure Prevention
Whether you suspect your Volvo’s automatic transmission is in need of a service or you already suspect some issues with your vehicle, Dell’s Service Center can check it out for you. Our service center has been providing top-quality Volvo service & repair to the Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay areas of Wisconsin since 1969.
As an affordable and convenient alternative to a dealership, Dell’s Service Center prides itself on treating every customer with respect and friendliness that is unmatched by rivals. Our technicians are trained in the latest automotive technology, as well as Volvo-specific issues. Call us at (920) 494-2860 to see how we can help with your Volvo today.