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Harsh Shifting and Hesitation in 2017 XC60 T5 Automatic Transmission

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 3:53 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Volvo XC60 T5

Hey everyone,

My 2017 Volvo XC60 T5, with about 70,000 miles, has recently developed some really harsh shifting. It's an automatic transmission, and I primarily notice it between 2nd and 3rd gear, and sometimes a noticeable hesitation or clunk when accelerating from a complete stop. It wasn't doing this before, and it seems to be getting worse.

I'm wondering if this could be a transmission fluid issue, like low fluid or old fluid, or if it's something more serious with the transmission itself. I haven't seen any warning lights on the dash. Has anyone experienced similar issues with their XC60 T5 or other modern Volvo automatics? What steps should I take to diagnose this?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 3:53 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Harsh shifting and hesitation in an automatic transmission are concerning symptoms that should be addressed promptly to prevent potential further damage. For your 2017 Volvo XC60 T5, here are the common areas to investigate:

  1. Transmission Fluid Condition and Level: This is the first place to start. Low transmission fluid can cause erratic shifting and hesitation. Old, degraded, or contaminated fluid can also lose its lubricating and hydraulic properties, leading to harsh shifts. Modern Volvo transmissions are often sealed, making DIY fluid checks difficult, but a professional can check and recommend a fluid exchange if necessary.
  2. Transmission Software Updates: Volvo, like many manufacturers, periodically releases software updates for their transmission control modules (TCMs) to improve shift quality, address known issues, and optimize performance. A visit to a dealership or a shop with Volvo diagnostic tools can determine if there are any applicable updates for your vehicle.
  3. Valve Body Issues: The valve body is the 'brain' of the automatic transmission, directing fluid pressure to engage different gears. Solenoids within the valve body can wear out or become clogged, leading to delayed or harsh shifts. This is a more complex repair but a known potential issue in some transmissions.
  4. Transmission Mounts: Worn or broken transmission mounts can cause excessive movement of the drivetrain, which can manifest as a clunk or harsh feeling during shifts, even if the transmission itself is functioning correctly.

When to see a shop:

  • As soon as possible. Ignoring transmission issues can lead to more costly repairs down the line.
  • Since checking transmission fluid on many modern Volvos requires specific procedures, and diagnosing internal transmission issues requires specialized equipment, a professional transmission shop or Volvo dealership is highly recommended.
  • They can perform a diagnostic scan to check for any stored transmission fault codes (even if no dashboard light is on), inspect the fluid, and perform a road test to accurately pinpoint the cause of the harsh shifting.
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