Thanks for all the input. The last couple of days the tranny has been fine. Maybe I was'nt awake yet that morning. it must have been a dream.

I do have a 1996 850GLT base model no turbo. Maybe my next one I will go for a turbo.

I just noticed today that when I shift from park to reverse the transmission slips for about a 1/2 second then goes into gear. Once in gear it is fine and only seems to happen going from park. I just got in and I have not yet checked the fluid, which I will do first thing in the AM. Any thoughts oth...

Thanks,
Maybe down the road I my try that. Let me know how you make out if you take the plunge.
For now I will enjoy it for what it is. A very nice economical and comfortable car that was very inexpensive...

Thanks for the reply. I think I will leave this one alone and find a nice 1996-98 turbo sedan to play with. Keep the wagon for what I bought it for in the first place:hauling our kayaks and bicycles.
Carl

I am looking to get a little more zip out of my 1996 850 Non turbo wagon. I'm not looking to race the world just give it some more power when getting on an expressway and for passing. Not that it is slow I just would like a little more. This is my first Volvo.Any suggestion???
Thanks for the input.

Thanks for all the input. As it turns out I took the dist.cap off and wiped it out and pulled the plug wires. 2 of the 5 cylinder pockets had a little water in them. Dried them out and know the car runs fine. I do need to replace the starter however. I t seem to have gotten completely soaked and kno...

This is a great topic seeing that I just bought my first 850GLT Wagon and will need tools myself. I need to be able to fix things myself if I want to own this car.
What manual would you Seasoned Veterans recommend?
Thanks.Carl

Matthew1, I pretty much thought the same thing and in that order. I looked at the motor compartment and other than the obvious bottom of the motor the rest is dry. I did unplug each wire from the cap and they were all dry. Maybe if it ever stops raining here in new England I can get it dried out. I ...

Yes I do still have the belly pan. I had to run out and look. I just got the car a week ago today.