Transmission slipping '86 740 GLE Wagon

Richard L · Post by **Richard L** » 02 Jan 2006, 20:57

My transmission has started to slip, that is, it does not seem to fully engage when I start out cold, but improves when I get going. I also descend a long hill from home and typically go down in 2nd gear. It has started to momentarily slip out of 2nd and into 3rd then back again.

How bad are these symptoms. Am I looking at a major expensive repair?

Thanks for your help!

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 09 Jan 2006, 10:19

Automatic Transmission delays are often associated with low fluid level, so checking the dipstick for levels and dirtiness would be a good place to start. (ATF and Powersteering fluid are, in fact, heavyweight multiviscosity oils -- that's why you get "better" behavior when the car warms up. But this is definitely an indication of worn out oil!)

When changing fluids, keep in mind that only the fluid in the tank will be replaced - there will be some old fluid leftover in the torque converter that enters circulation with new fluid. At least half of the fluid is new, so it's all good..

A guy I know changed his ATF a few times in short intervals and driving as usual in between--thereby replacing all of the older dirty fluid. At least this sounds better than doing a run-dry flush!

Richard L · Post by **Richard L** » 10 Jan 2006, 22:05

Thanks, Peter. I went to the local fluid change garage where the guys are very helpful and found that I was low 2 to 3 quarts of transmission fluid. They filled it up and the car does not seem to slip now. Do you think I did any damage by letting the fluid get low?

petershen1984 · Post by **petershen1984** » 11 Jan 2006, 09:47

Don't just add fluid - you'll also need to trace the leak, or you'll be back to the mechanic with low fluid again. because the AT system relies on hydraulic pressure to control gears as well as lubricate components, low oil will definitely put more stress on the transmission. Torque transfer is also lost due to the decreased "centrifugal force" associated with less fluid circulating in the torque converter. It's hard to say whether any damage has been done, but Volvo transmissions are generally extremely well-crafted and durable. There are tens of thousands of us 740s still on the road today!