[meinstei]

We have a 2002 S60 AWD and feel that the accelation from stop isn't as smooth as we would expect. There is sometimes a small hesitation as you start to spin-up speed in 1st gear. It happens BEFORE you hit second gear. It doesn't always happen, but happens enough that I know that it isn't a problem with my foot not being smooth on the accelerator.

I just called my Volvo dealer and he stated that other customers have had this problem and that there is some sort of Technical Bulletin about this problem with the S60 AWD's and that it will require some sort of "Software Upgrade" to the system to fix this problem. Although I am happy to see that there may be a fix, I am curious if anyone knows anything about his problem and why Volvo wouldn't have informed me more proactively (such as a nice letter) about the problem so we could have had it fixed immediately.

Thanks.

Michael

 

[New Owner]

Its interesting that you mention this. I own a 2002 S60 non AWD and I am having exactly the same problem. I find it more evident after a cold start, and when I am accelerating slowly. The other problem that I have noticed is is a slow shift from 1st to 2nd gear,to the point it feels like the transmission is slipping. Have you experienced that problem as well?

quote:

Originally posted by meinstei:
We have a 2002 S60 AWD and feel that the accelation from stop isn't as smooth as we would expect. There is sometimes a small hesitation as you start to spin-up speed in 1st gear. It happens BEFORE you hit second gear. It doesn't always happen, but happens enough that I know that it isn't a problem with my foot not being smooth on the accelerator.

I just called my Volvo dealer and he stated that other customers have had this problem and that there is some sort of Technical Bulletin about this problem with the S60 AWD's and that it will require some sort of "Software Upgrade" to the system to fix this problem. Although I am happy to see that there may be a fix, I am curious if anyone knows anything about his problem and why Volvo wouldn't have informed me more proactively (such as a nice letter) about the problem so we could have had it fixed immediately.

Thanks.

Michael

 

[moocat]

I own a 2002 S60 AWD and am having the same problem. When the car is cold it definitely is fighting to go from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to third until it warms up a bit.

The car is going in for it's 7500 mile check this Friday. I'll ask if there is a software upgrade for this issue. I agree, it should be alot smoother than it is.

quote:

Originally posted by New Owner:
Its interesting that you mention this. I own a 2002 S60 non AWD and I am having exactly the same problem. I find it more evident after a cold start, and when I am accelerating slowly. The other problem that I have noticed is is a slow shift from 1st to 2nd gear,to the point it feels like the transmission is slipping. Have you experienced that problem as well?

 

[Iceman]

quote:

Originally posted by moocat:
I own a 2002 S60 AWD and am having the same problem. When the car is cold it definitely is fighting to go from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to third until it warms up a bit.

The car is going in for it's 7500 mile check this Friday. I'll ask if there is a software upgrade for this issue. I agree, it should be alot smoother than it is.

Hmm, I own a 2002 S60 AWD as well but I don't have that hesitation at all. I've found that the acceleration, even from cold, has gotten progressively smoother as I've driven it. I presently have 11,000kms on it.

Pat

 

[Veilig]

I too would like to know if there is a software upgrade. Something else to consider is the feature built in to help the engine 'warm up' when it is cold. The transmission shifts when the RPMs are higher than when the engine is warm, to help the engine warm up more quickly. I think the owners manual explains this is to help reduce the emissions. This could be your hesitation that you notice when the car is cold.

Chad.

 

[cal72]

There is indeed a "fix" for the software. It changes the shift through the RPM range. It should help.

You should also ask about the stop nuetral function. When an AWD Volvo is at a full stop the tranny shifts into nuetral. That also can create a hesitation in the vehicle.

 

[moocat]

Just brought my car in for the 7500 mi check-up and explained to the dealer the problem with what seemed to be rough shifting from a cold start. They explained to me this is called CAT start, which is when the engine coolant temperature is low, upshifts are delayed for quick heating of the CAT converter. They also applied the rough-cold-start software upgrade. They had the car all day and said that they couldn't find anything that seem abnormal with the shifting and to keep and eye on it. If the condition worsens to come back in.

Actually this was the first service I have had done on the vehicle since I bought it and it was a pleasant experience. I had the oil changed and tires rotated before hand so they said that the normal check of the car and fluids would only cost about $30.00 for the 7500 mi service. They gave me a car for the day and washed & vacummed the car, performed the service, applied the software upgrade, changed my windshield wiper blades and replaced the center console lid (that broke way too easily)and the whole experience didn't cost me a dime. Needless to say that put a smile on my face.

dl

[This message has been edited by moocat (edited 09-15-2002).]

 

[Gotballs]

Cal, do you have pics of your car you can post???? I have the ipd body kit, and i think it is very similar if not the same to yours... thanks..

Spencer

 

[mchen44]

Re: (moocat)

Did the software update work for the 1st to 2nd gear hesitation?
I just purchased a 2002 2.4T and it only has 1,100 miles on it and I noticed the same hesitation when the car is cold, but once the temperature gets to normal it's smooth shifting.

 

[moocat]

Re: (mchen44)

Yes, it definitely made a difference. The car seems to be shifting much smoother and it I'm not experiencing that lag in pick up when I accelerate like I was before. http://********************/smile/emsmile.gif

I can't tell you if the rough-cold-start problem has been fixed since we haven't really gotten any cold weather yet, but that should be changing pretty soon now.

 

[Veilig]

Re: (moocat)

I'm curious if you notice a difference in fuel economy with your upgraded software. Have you driven enough to tell a difference? Did the software upgrade cost you anything?

Chad.

 

[moocat]

Re: (Veilig)

Seems like I've picked up about 2 mpg since the upgade. The next full tank should give me a more accurate number. I had thought that I would be getting better mileage than I have been. It's been around 22-23 mpg. But that is mostly city driving. I haven't really taken the car on a long trip yet.

The dealer didn't charge for the upgrade. It's covered under warranty. http://********************/smile/emthup.gif

..dl...

 

[snap95]

Re: upgrade

Does anyone have any details, VADIS #, etc. for this upgrade. I just had my AWD s60 in for the 7500mi service and they had no idea what I was talking about.