96 850T, No reverse, in gear in P & N?

[rmmagow]

Have you tried to row the shifter back and forth about 20 times or so? might be a dirty PNP switch.

[futureboycolin]

I did try shifting through the gears about 40 times last night; no joy.
Just disconnected the battery, TCM and ECU. Waited 10 minutes, reconnected everything; no joy.

I "fixed" the problem though. This is lucky, but also a little worrisome. In Neutral and Park it seemed as if the car was stuck in gear, so I put it in N, revved it til it started to climb the curb, let off and let gravity rock it back. It somehow popped itself back into Neutral, and when I shifted to Reverse, voila reverse power. Now...I'm guessing this is a bad sign, a portent, an ill omen of future troubles with this transmission.

Should I start looking for used transmissions? Is it worth it to replace on a '96? I LOVE love love this car, and would hate to part (yuk yuk) with her. However, I found a '98 v70R up in Wisconsin for $1800, only catch is the 280k miles and rebuilt head, but it's also owned by a mechanic.

Anyway, I digress. What does getting stuck in 1st gear mean? Is it a problem with the PNP switch? Obviously the gears engage, and aren't completely stripped. I hope.

[rmmagow]

Try the repetitive fluid changing first, maybe a bottle of Lucas trans fix too. Sounds mechanical, like a sticking clutch or something maybe fluid will do it for a while. A good running well-maintained 98R would be sweet too. maybe bring cash and try to get it cheaper? It'll act up too. Does it still have the AWD connected? My V70 AWD has 222K on it and the AWD disconnected but it really feels like 300's not going to be an issue as long as I take care of it.

[futureboycolin]

Yeah I guess a drain and fill is in my very near future now. Have people had good luck with transmission oil additives?

The 98 v70R is a beaut! Black, with tan interior. AWD works, and according to the owner it has always had identical tires that have been rotated regularly. Still an option, although now it doesn't look QUITE as bleak for Ol Burgie.