97 850 5 cyl non turbo losing power

[barrylay]

My V850 non turbo has recently lost power when going up hills or trying to accelerate from standing. When I try to accelerate uphill it changes down a gear, but doesn't accelerate after the downshift. I suspect the catalytic converter but cannot smell anything like sulphur. Otherwise it seems to run smoothly, not missing any cylinders. The problem seemed to happen suddenly, not something that got slowly worse. The engine does rattle for a few seconds at startup when cold, but it has always done this (I've had it for a year).

[jblackburn]

I'd check your fuel pressure before suspecting the cat. Have you ever replaced the fuel filter?

[barrylay]

no, i will do that first. thanks. simple too.

[barrylay]

Well, since my original post I:
1) changed the fuel filter, no change,
2) bought a Code Reader,
3) found codes
- P0455 Evap System Leak (Gross Leak/No Flow),
- P0432 Main Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold (bank 1),
- P0410 Secondary Air Injection System
4) found a massive hole in the air line going to the Flame Trap
5) after fixing that and buttoning it back up I had no codes, but still have no acceleration under load.

I am starting to re-think the problem. It may be a transmission problem. The transmission may not be changing and seeming like there is no acceleration, because there is no acceleration after the revs get too high, right? Duh!!

So far the codes have not returned but I have not driven it far under the circumstances. I will change the filter and trans fluid next, but there is no burnt smell to the fluid. Is that a good sign?

Also the car is now stuck in Park due to a temporary fix I did to the gear shifter pin several months ago. Oh man, when will it end?

Of course I may still be off the mark on the trans thing. Any comments/suggestions welcome.

Thanks

Barry

[barrylay]

After calling the Volvo dealer I find that the transmission doesn't have a filter, so if it is the tranny then I have a serious problem.