Now that I've got this ABS-test thing figured out, thanks to all who helped solve that mystery, I noticed something rather alarming after getting my car back from the shop yesterday. It went to the shop to get the cv boot and fuel filter replaced, and then to Jiffy Lube for an oil change.

This is what has me worried:

When I bought the car last week, and before I put it in the shop, the transmission shifted smooth as butter.
Now after I got the car back from repairs and maintenance when I go into reverse, I can feel my transmission shift and the car kind of goes 'thunk'. Same for putting it into drive, but not as pronounced. I can feel the whole car move.

I mentioned this to my husband, who had his car repaired at the same place a few months ago, and he said his car has had the same thing since it came back from that shop. He also noted that his gas mileage is significantly and mysteriously lower.

Any thoughts? Is there anything they could have done? I'm going to call the shop and see what gives.

Saskia
95 850 wagon

I would suggest taking both cars ASAP to a Volvo specific repair facility and having the fluid changed in both transmissions. Just to be on the safe side.

Don't know about that one.I would guess that the computer would have taken care of that. On another note. I would suggest staying away from Jiffy Lube. I have read many horror stories about them.

So the mechanic said it might be the new fuel filter causing the car to 'breathe' and consequently upping the idle a little when I shift. Sound plausible?

I would not do any business with a mechanic who had such little understanding of cars. Another post mentioned Jiffy Lube. In our local news appeared a story about a "quick lube" place (name not mentioned) which put oil in a customer's master cylinder to top up the brake fluid. All the seals in the brake system degenerated after 6 months resulting in all calipers and master cylinder needing to be replaced. The shop refused to take responsibility.

It takes NO credentials, skills, experience or education to get a job at a place like that. Better shops hire people that have, at least ASE certification and a few years of actual experience under their belts.

Fuel filter? Complete "crock O S***".

I'd suggest taking the car to another shop or dealer to get their opinion. Unless they flushed the trans fluid or left something loose, I fail to see how they could have damaged the trans. I would have someone else check the engine mounts and suspension parts however just to be on the safe side.