smoking

[pottypaula]

I went to reverse my 1993 440si automatic the other day and it felt like I had hit something ( I hadn't I did check after). Smoke suddenly surounded the front of my car. By the time I had gotten out my car; after the initial shock; the smoke had gone. I drove it home ok. it has only happened once since; not so much smoke; and that too was when I was reversing. By the time I got out my car this time the fan had blown it away. Temperature level is ok. Same as water and oil. Afriend looked at it. But couldnt see anything wrong. He said perhaps it was the gearbox. Gearbox oil level is ok. And the car drives ok. Please help I'm due to take it on a long journey next month.

[billofdurham]

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

When you thought you had hit something did the car actually stop? What colour was the smoke?

Bill.

[pottypaula]

The car did stop. It was like starting a manuel car in gear. Or not quite in gear. The smoke was light grey.

[billofdurham]

I am not a transmission expert but the symptoms are pointing to a gearbox problem. It could be a seal, which could cause smoke if fluid hit the exhaust, but my main concern is the car stopping as it did.

I see you live in Suffolk and one of my friendly auto transmission mechanics has heard good reports of a company called Suffolk Automatic Transmission in Sudbury (01440 786555). Usually a visit to a company like this will result in a free diagnosis. It certainly does at the company for which my friend works.

Bill.