Checking the shift solenoids

NOTE: If the car has STC or DSTC, these functions must be disengaged. Press in the STC/DSTC button on the center console. Hold the button in for at least 2 seconds. The LED on the button must go out.

Fig 1: Engine Start Verification

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

Ignition off
Raise the car so that the drive wheels are clear of the ground.
WARNING: Ensure that the car is safely raised.

WARNING: Check that there are no objects caught in the front tire treads.
Start the engine

Read off the gear ratio on every gear and note the value.

Geartronic

Move the gear selector to Geartronic. Select 1st gear. Accelerate carefully until the engine speed (RPM) is approximately 2000 RPM.

Try to maintain a constant speed throughout the test.

NOTE: The gear ratio varies if a constant vehicle speed and engine speed (RPM) are not maintained. This is because the transmission will free wheel.

Then engage gear 2 within 10 seconds, gear 3 within another 10 seconds, and thereafter gear 4.

Check that the shifts are carried out correctly be comparing the gear ratios with table 1.

Make a note of the shifting pattern and then compare with table 2.

Not Geartronic

Move the gear selector to position 1 and accelerate carefully until the engine speed is approx. 2,000 RPM. Try to maintain constant RPM throughout the whole test.

NOTE: The gear ratio varies if a constant vehicle speed and engine speed (RPM) are not maintained. This is because the transmission will free wheel.

Then move the gear selector to position 2 within 10 seconds, to position 3 within another 10 seconds, and thereafter to position D (fourth gear).

Check that the shifts are carried out correctly be comparing the gear ratios with table 1.

Make a note of the shifting pattern and then compare with table 2.

NOTE: When comparing the gear ratio with table 1, the ratio may vary by up to 1%. This is normal. This is due to the tolerance in the signals from the wheel sensors.

Replace the control system if an incorrect shift pattern is obtained.

Table 1
Gear	Gear ratios Gear ratio (S80 (-06) turbo)	Gear ratios Gear ratio (S80 (-06) non-turbo, XC90)
1	2.921	3.275
2	1.568	1.758
3	1.000	1.121
4	0.705	0.790

Table 2
Solenoid stuck in position	Shift pattern	Corrective action
S1 jammed in the ON position	1 - 1 - 4 - 4	Replace the control system
S1 jammed in the OFF position	2 - 2 - 3 - 3	Replace the control system
S2 jammed in the ON position	1 - 2 - 2 - 1	Replace the control system
S2 jammed in the OFF position	4 - 3 - 3 - 4	Replace the control system

Table 3 - Valve stuck during upshift
Mechanical shift valve	Shift pattern	Action
Valve 1-2 stuck	2 - 2 - 3 - 4	Replacing the control system
Valve 2-3 stuck	1 - 3 - 3 - 4	Replacing the control system
Valve 2-3 stuck	3 - 3 - 3 - 4	Replacing the control system
Valve 3-4 stuck	1 - 2 - 4 - 4	Replacing the control system

Table 4 - Valve stuck during downshift
Mechanical shift valve	Shift pattern	Action
Valve 1-2 stuck	1 - 1 - 3 - 4	Replacing the control system
Valve 2-3 stuck	1 - 2 - 2 - 2	Replacing the control system
Valve 2-3 stuck (or internal fault in gearbox)	1 - 2 - 2 - 4	Checking engine braking
Valve 3-4 stuck	1 - 2 - 3 - 3	Replacing the transmission

NOTE: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) may be stored in the ABS system when the rear wheels are stationary and the front wheels rotate. Erase any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the ABS system after fault-tracing.

Other information:

To replace the control system, For removal, see Control system/valve housing, removing To install, see Installing the control system/valve housing .

Select an alternative

The control system has been replaced
Refer to Resetting the adaptation
Shift valve 2-3 has stuck in shift pattern 1-2-2-4 according to table 2
Refer to Checking engine braking
Shift valve 3-4 has stuck according to table 2
Refer to Checking diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
There is no incorrect shift pattern.
Refer to Replacing the transmission