1996 960 Random kickdown @ highways speeds

[wchase44]

I recently began driving the '96 960 and it performs great at highway speed as well as around town. I was informed the PNP switch was replaced recently and the transmission really does shift gears smoothly. Until about a week ago when on the way to work at about 70 mph the transmission randomly decided to kickdown to another gear( or maybe just unlock the torque converter?) from about 2400 rpms to 3500! this is such a bummer on the highway because i was forced to slow to about 55 to keep the rpms at a "happy" level. this problem seems like a sensor problem, but i do not have any sort of check engine lights or error codes. there is no upshift arrow either. Sometimes when getting on the freeway the transmission will shift into 4th gear and perform just normal. She purrs along at 70 with rpms around 2400. The problem seems to be getting slightly worse and any advice i could obtain on here without going to a dealer would be fantastic. Thanks!

[93Regina]

'96 960

I think vehicle has a AW40

1. Check Fluid level on level surface with hot fluid?

2. On-Board Diagnostic Codes for AW-30-40 Series Automatic Transmissions

3. Volvo 960 automatic transmission diagnosis service manual

[jimmy57]

The gear position sensor needs to be verified fr adjustment. If that sensor tells the trans control module (TCM) that the shift lever is in 3rd then it will select thrid gear but have no fault codes.

[wchase44]

that would make sense. Today for the first time, the car would not start while in park and i had to shift in and out of park a few times in order for the car to start. Would this problem be related to a gear positioning sensor? would i be able to adjust the sensor myself and or clean the connectors? Considering going into a dealer but i would love to avoid a costly repair. The transmission seems mechanically sound and i am leaning towards an electrical/sensor issue. Thank you for the advice