AW55-50SN Shift Kit

The AW55-50SN five-speed in Volvo S60, V70, XC70 and S80 models, Saab 9-3 and 9-5 cars, and the AF33-5 version in the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Vue all tend to fail the same way: a bang into drive, a clunk coming to a stop, and gears that cut loose on the way up. Most of the time the clutches are fine and the valve body is worn. This is the TransGo SK AW55-50 Shift Kit, a valve body repair kit that targets exactly those complaints and includes parts and instructions to rebuild the pressure control solenoids.

What the SK AW55-50 kit does in an AW55-50SN

In the AW55-50SN the computer controls shift feel through three linear pressure control solenoids: SLT for line pressure, SLS for shift and accumulator pressure, and SLU for converter lockup. Five on-off shift solenoids pick the gears. The linear solenoids are fed by a solenoid regulator valve, and when that valve and its bore wear, every pressure downstream drifts. Sticky solenoid valves add to it. TransGo says normal wear in control parts causes most malfunctions in this otherwise long-lived unit, and that OE control solenoids are not sold separately, which is why the kit includes parts to renew them.

The kit includes a drop-in solenoid regulator valve assembly, a drop-in TCC lockup boost valve assembly, parts to renew the pressure control solenoids, and the usual valve body wear items.

Symptoms this kit addresses

• Delayed engagement or a bang when shifting into drive
• 4-3 and 3-2 coast clunk as you slow down
• 2-3 and 3-4 cut-loose, where the engine flares between gears
• Kickdown runaway and a coast 3-2 part-throttle bang
• Converter slip, and second gear one-way sprag failure
• Gear ratio codes P0731 through P0736, TCC code P0741 and shift error P0780 when they come from hydraulic wear rather than an electrical fault

How to confirm it before you order

Start electrical. TransGo's instructions say to ohm-check the solenoids before you rebuild anything: the SLT, SLS and SLU should read 5-7 ohms and shift solenoids 1 through 5 should read 11-16 ohms at 70 F, with no continuity from either pin to the solenoid body. Any solenoid out of range gets replaced, not rebuilt; the AW55-50SN pressure control solenoid is the usual replacement. Check fluid level carefully, since the fill plug and band anchor are easy to confuse. Our AW55-50SN service guide covers the fluid check and the common failures in detail.

Fitment

TransGo lists the SK AW55-50 for the AW 55-50SN, the RE5F22A and the AF33-5. That covers the 55-50SN and 55-51SN used in Volvo and Saab, the AF33-5 version in GM models such as the Malibu and Vue, and the Nissan RE5F22A. Valve bodies differ slightly between makes, and TransGo notes the S2 shift solenoid is normally closed in Volvo and Nissan units but normally open in Saturn and Saab units, so do not swap solenoids between brands. Match your unit tag, or send us your year and VIN if you are not sure. More parts for this family are in our Aisin transmission collection.

Install notes

• The valve body can be serviced with the transaxle in the car. Bag and label every solenoid connector and keep valves in bore order.
• Rebuilding the linear solenoids takes care: the TransGo procedure has you grind off the crimped cap, resize the bushings with the supplied drills, clean the valve, and reassemble with a new end cap and red thread locker. The armature must fall freely out of the solenoid before you reassemble it.
• Refill with JWS 3309 type fluid and verify level by the factory procedure at the specified temperature.
• Reset the transmission adaptations with a scan tool after the repair so the computer relearns shift pressures.
• If your solenoids test bad, the 8-piece AW55-50SN solenoid set replaces them all at once; for a full overhaul, pair this kit with the AW55-50SN master rebuild kit.

Will this fit my 2005 Volvo XC70?

The XC70 of that era uses the AW55-50SN, which TransGo lists for this kit. Check the tag on your transaxle or send us the year and VIN if you want us to confirm.

Does it fit the Saturn Vue and Chevy Malibu?

Yes, when the vehicle has the AF33-5 version of this transaxle, which TransGo includes in the fitment. Vues and Malibus with other transmissions are not covered.

Can I reuse my pressure control solenoids?

Often yes. The kit includes parts and instructions to rebuild the SLT, SLS and SLU solenoids. Ohm-check them first; any that read outside 5-7 ohms must be replaced.

Will this clear a P0741 converter code?

It addresses the hydraulic causes TransGo lists, including lockup boost valve wear and solenoid pressure drift. If the code is caused by a failed converter or wiring, those need their own repair.

What fluid does the AW55-50SN take?

A JWS 3309 type ATF. Fill and check it by the factory temperature-based procedure.

• Aisin AW55-50SN Service Guide: Saab, Volvo, Malibu, and Saturn Vue