Volvo Repair: 2001 V70 Volvo Transmission light, worse case scenario, v70 volvo

Question
Hi there:

I purchased a used Volvo in June, and shortly after noticed that when ever I would come to a stop and sit with my foot on the brake that the car would down shift etc.. I'm not much of an engine/mechanic kind of guy so I persumed that this may be normal for volvos (it's my first volvo). About 2 days ago I was merging into heavy traffic (not my typical day) and I had to really go quick a few minutes later about 4 or 5 to be exact, the "Transmission needs service" light came on! (!) and remains on. The weird thing is that the car doesn't shift down as hard now when I stop and actually is more enjoyable to drive. What the hell is going on? I live in the Detroit area and I'm a medical resident, don't really have lots of $$$$ to toss around. Can you give me some insight as to what is going on or what should I do, I've gone to one Volvo dealer here in the Detroit area, got a side mirror knocked off the first month here, was not pleased with the raping the dealer managed to pull on me.

Thank you for your time and I appreciate any advice you might have.  

Answer
Hi Roger, That light usually means bad news but I have seen that after a transmission service and system scan and reset the car usually returns back to normal.  The worse case scenario is that the trans is bad.  I have a few listings for Volvo shops, but not too familiar with any in the detroit area.  Let me know whats close to you.  30 min drive, etc
Roger