VOLVO
TCM-0115 - Shift solenoid S3. Hydraulic fault
System
Transmission Control Module (TCM)
Volvo models this fault code applies to
This fault code has different meanings depending on model, model year or engine. Select the meaning that applies to your car.
Applies to the following models:
11 modelsC70 Cabriolet (1998–2005), C70 Coupé (1998–2002), S40 (1996–2004), S60 (2001–2009), S70 (1997–2000), S80 (1999–2006), V40 (1996–2004), V70 (1997–2000), V70 (2000–2008), V70 XC / XC70 (2001–2007), XC90 (2003–)
Show models by year and engine (21)
- 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 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 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?
Shift solenoid S3 has a hydraulic fault, meaning the solenoid is stuck either open or closed. The solenoid cannot then control the gear change as it should. The fault can cause gear changes to fail or become harsh, and the car switches to an emergency program.
Possible causes
- The solenoid is stuck, either open or closed
- Defective solenoid
What you can do
- 1Have a workshop check the transmission fluid level and quality, as the level depends on the oil temperature
- 2If you have a diagnostic tool: activate shift solenoid S3 and listen for a click from the gearbox
- 3If no click is heard, this indicates a mechanical fault in the solenoid, and a workshop should check it
- 4Have a workshop check the connectors on the gearbox and the control module for contact resistance and oxidation
- 5If metal particles are found in the control system, have a workshop decide whether the gearbox needs replacing
Symptoms you may notice5
- The orange general warning lamp is lit
- Gear changes do not occur
- Harsh gear changes
- The lock-up function does not work
- The automatic transmission warning lamp is lit
What the fault can affect3
- The control module emergency program Emergency mode II is activated
- The control module limp-home program Limp-home is activated
- The control module switches off activation of all solenoids, which is why gear changes do not occur
General guidance for car owners. Diagnosis on the car can point to a different cause.