VOLVO
TCM-0103 - Shift solenoid S3. Signal too low
System
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
Applies to the following models:
15 modelsC30 (2007–2013), C70 (2006–2013), C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005), C70 Coupé (1998–2002), S40 (1996–2004), S40 (2004–2013), S60 (2001–2009), S70 (1997–2000), S80 (1999–2006), V40 (1996–2004), V50 (2004–2013), V70 (1997–2000), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (27)
- Volvo C30 (2007–2013)2007–2013Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo C70 (2006–2013)2006–2013Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo C70 Cabriolet (1998–2005)2000–2005Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo C70 Coupé (1998–2002)2000–2002Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S40 (1996–2004)2001–2004
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2004, 2011–2012Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S40 (2004–2013)2005–2010Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2001–2002
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2003All transmissions except: M58
- Volvo S60 (2001–2009)2004–2009Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S70 (1997–2000)2000Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)1999–2000Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo S80 (1999–2006)2001–2006Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V40 (1996–2004)2001–2004
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2004, 2011–2012Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V50 (2004–2013)2005–2010Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 (1997–2000)2000Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2000–2002
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2003All transmissions except: M58
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2004–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 (2000–2008)2008Transmission AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2001–2002
- Volvo V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007)2003–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2003All transmissions except: 4T65 AWD
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2004–2007Transmission AW50/51 AWD, AW55-50/51SN only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2008–2014Transmission AW50/51 AWD only
- Volvo XC90 (2003–)2015
What does this fault code mean?
The transmission control module drives shift solenoids S1 to S5 together, and solenoid S3 is one of them. The fault means the signal in the circuit to solenoid S3 is too low when the solenoid is to be activated.
Possible causes
- The signal wire is shorted to ground
- The solenoid is defective or not working
- Internal fault inside the transmission control unit (TCM)
What you can do
- 1Have a diagnostic tool? Read the oil temperature before and after a road test; it should have risen. If it does not, the temperature sensor may be at fault
- 2Activate solenoid S3 with diagnostic equipment while the selector is in P; the status should switch between OFF and ON
- 3Use a multimeter to measure the resistance in the solenoid circuit; if it is very low, the lead may be shorted to ground
- 4Have a workshop check the solenoid and the control module; if the lead is intact, one of them may need replacing
Symptoms you may notice4
- General orange warning lamp on
- No lock-up function
- Harsh gear shifting
- No gear changes
What the fault can affect1
- The Emergency mode 4 program is activated
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.