Volvo 440 (97) Automatic

joelonsdale · Post by **joelonsdale** » 17 May 2007, 15:44

My beloved 440 automatic has just failed it's MOT and I am at a cross roads as to whether I should fix her up again or get a new car. Not an MOT issue, but the deciding factor is that it has started to take 5 or 6 seconds for reverse gear to engage. If this is a symptom of an expensive impending gear box issue I will probably replace her - if this is a cheap issue to fix I will probably fix her up and keep her - which is what I dearly want to do! So - what do you think?

Joe

Post by **billofdurham** » 24 May 2007, 11:48

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Sorry you have not had an earlier reply but I have been trundling around Scotland.

How long is it since the transmission fluid was flushed/changed? Does the fluid look dirty or smell burnt? Bad fluid can cause all sorts of problems and this is always a good place to start.

Bill.

joelonsdale · Post by **joelonsdale** » 25 May 2007, 05:01

I am not sure - I certainly don't check it, but it is serviced yearly. Surely that would affect forward as well as reverse though?

Post by **billofdurham** » 25 May 2007, 16:22

A fault in an auto box does not always affect all gears simultaneously. It tends to be progressive unless there is a distinct lack of fluid, and then it usually stops altogether.

As I said it is a starting point. Get the transmission up to working temperature and pull the dipstick. See what colour the fluid is, it should be red, and smell it to see if it smells burnt.

The fluid should be drained and refilled every 30,000 miles or 3 years on that model. If this has not been done you will notice problems.

Bill.