This is on a 98 V70 GLT (68K miles):

I had the car in with my indy Volvo shop for a transmission inspection since I've lost track of when the fluid was last changed. I've been getting an occasional bump-bump-bump from the tranny either just before or just after stopping as well as some infrequent hard upshifts. The 3 bumps feel like a delayed triple-gear downshift in preparation for acceleration, but that's my own theory.

Turns out the fluid was a little dark and a quart low, but they were not alarmed. I think I've had one flush about 30-40K miles ago. However, they told me that they pulled a fault code in the shift mode selector on my transmission (the 3 buttons that choose sport, economy, and winter modes).

I was quoted $155 for a new switch, but I hardly use the thing, nor have I noticed it misbehaving. Questions for the forum: anyone ever encounter such a transmission symptom? Anyone see a relationship with the mode selector? Can I bypass the switch or, better yet, ignore it without risking tranny damage?

Matthew