Went to test drive a 2005 V50 with 98,000 miles on it. During the test drive the trans shifted hard. I believe it was a 2dn to 3rd shift. Didn't throw a code.

Dealer had a tech take it out for a drive and drove it hard...it threw a code. Crap I can't remember the code number but I think 50 something. Dealer said something about the code showing solenoid and shift was out of ratio.

Dealer is a Subbie dealer and they will be taking it to the Volvo dealer to ascertain the problem.

On our S60 I never had any hard shifts but I know that when I did a trans flush (using correct fluid) the trans seemed to shift smoother.

My wife really likes the car a lot and I also like it but won't buy it with a trans issue. If they get the trans sorted out I'll bite.

I've seen some with more perfect interiors but we want to throw some business to my nephews 22 year old son that sells at the dealer.

http://www.faulknersubarumechanicsburg.com/all-inventory/index.htm?search=volvo

Any ideas about the trans?

The dealer did replace the rack and I'm wondering if they didn't correctly hook up some wiring but right now that is up to them to determine.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5538/107960-automatic-transmission-b4-servo-cover-update-aw55-50-51

Read the bottom of the page regarding the S4.

If you like the V50, look around in other venues. Autotrader, carsoup.com, cars.com, etc.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

That is a cheap fix / precaution. The question is now, has the transmission been damaged. If the hard shift is the reason it was traded-in, the previous driver may have been driving for a while with the condition.

If they tell us it has been fixed I can guarantee you that the test drive we take will be a loooooong test drive.

The B4 servo cover is not a "fix" from my experience & I don`t think Klaus was suggesting that it is. It may or may not help. We did the tranny flush(Toyota Type 1V) & new B4 on our `03 XC70.......it did make shifting easier but only for 3 months & then the tranny flare issue came back with a vengeance. We basically had to "retire" the car even tho the body/interior is in great condition & it runs strong.
Rich

It came back? That isn't good. Our S60 has over 225,000 on it and the trans is fine. Is the flare problem something attributable to the V50 trans?

If so.....we may need to pass on the V50. It will make my wife sad.

A sad wife is its own problem, but never fall in love with a car before you own it.

Oh heck, maybe the wife is a higher priority - I was never married so I wouldn't know ;)

Wife is savvy to cars and will pass on some cars quicker than me. She will pass on the cosmetics quicker than me but an odd noise will also make her gun shy.

Been looking at the Volvo forums that I normally lurk and there are plenty of posts about the V50 transmission flaring issue.

Did you happen to discover which years the S40/V40/V50's are affected by the transmission flare? Do they improve beginning with 2006 models? I was considering a V50 but discovered I should buy at least a 2006+ V50 as the 2005's are the first year of the new body style. Plus Consumer Reports raked them over the coals. My friend's 2011 V50 T5 has been fine so far...

Not sure about the years. Today I drove a nice 2007 that is for sale. It was in great shape.

I seriously doubt that the dealer will 'fix' it. Time to look for something else, a C70???

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

I heard from the dealer. I "thought" they would be putting a low mileage trans in the car but I just got an e-mail ---

"The new tranny that we are getting has just over 94,000 miles on it, and the work will be completed sometime mid to late next week."

Just over 94,000 miles isn't going to cut it for me.

They are going to replace the trans and give us a 3 month / 3000 mile power trans warranty. It will be a used trans of course but most of the cars I have the engines are transplanted used ones that I installed.

I think that they should do the kit once installed and a computer update with VIDA. They just put all new tires on the car.

My nephews son started selling at the dealership in July and we are trying to send some business his way. They are also doing the headliner.

If we buy the car, the first thing I think I'll do is a trans flush with the correct fluids.

Back in 1984, I test drove a 280ZX and the transmission acted up. The saleman said "of course that will be fixed if you buy it."

I told him to call me when it was fixed. I didn't receive a call, and bought one elsewhere. I never regretted my decision.

My advice would be the same - tell them you'll look further when it is fixed. Don't make a deal on a car assuming something will be corrected. Dealers have no interest putting $$$ into a used car.

Just my ,02

Yes agreed. I would never, ever buy a car with such a trans situation.