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automatic transmission problem

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on all Volvo's "mid era" rear wheel drive Volvos.

1975 - 1993 240
1983 - 1992 740
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jped185
Posts: 4
Joined: 30 April 2020
Year and Model: 1992 240
Location: TX

automatic transmission problem

Post by jped185 »

1992 240 - Shifts from first at about 20 mph, but have to get to 50+ before it will shift to 3rd. Overdrive appears to be working correctly. What is the likely problem?

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volvolugnut
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Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
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Post by volvolugnut »

What is the condition of transmission fluid - Pink, dark red, black? Last known fluid change with filter? Maybe a sticking shift valve?
Could start with fluid change if fluid is dark.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

jped185
Posts: 4
Joined: 30 April 2020
Year and Model: 1992 240
Location: TX

Post by jped185 »

Thanks for your help. Fluid is dark brown. I have never changed fluid. Will change of fluid and filter possibly "unstick" a shift valve?

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volvolugnut
Posts: 6234
Joined: 19 January 2014
Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
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Post by volvolugnut »

It may help the shifting. However, search for failure after transmission fluid change. Sometimes a fluid change can stir all the junk in the transmission and cause total failure. What is the history on this car and transmission?
Also search this forum for transmission fluid and filter change. The filter is inside the transmission and requires removal of the pan. If you do not think you can do this, a transmission shop can change filter and fluid. Confirm the correct fluid type.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

User avatar
volvolugnut
Posts: 6234
Joined: 19 January 2014
Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
Has thanked: 927 times
Been thanked: 1001 times

Post by volvolugnut »

See this thread on trans fluid and filter change:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12415
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

jped185
Posts: 4
Joined: 30 April 2020
Year and Model: 1992 240
Location: TX

Post by jped185 »

Vehicle has low mileage. Approx 85 to 90K but don't know for sure as the odometer quit a couple of years ago.It is my wife's second car and she rarely drives it. No problems in the past with trans, I just noticed this problem in the last month. I will do the fluid change and see what happens. Thanks again for your input.

User avatar
volvolugnut
Posts: 6234
Joined: 19 January 2014
Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
Has thanked: 927 times
Been thanked: 1001 times

Post by volvolugnut »

I suggest an Italian transmission tune up after a fluid change. Drive it hard while working through all the gears. This car sits too much. Not good for any mechanical thing. If 3 speed with overdrive, then Dextron II fluid should be correct.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

jped185
Posts: 4
Joined: 30 April 2020
Year and Model: 1992 240
Location: TX

Post by jped185 »

I'll give it go. Will get back to you with results. Thanks, stay safe.

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volvolugnut
Posts: 6234
Joined: 19 January 2014
Year and Model: 2001 V70
Location: Oklahoma USA
Has thanked: 927 times
Been thanked: 1001 times

Post by volvolugnut »

I am surprised no one else has commented on this issue.
volvolugnut
The Fleet:
Volvo: 2001 V70 T5, 1986 244DL, 1983 245DL, 1975 245DL, 1959 PV544, multiple Volvo parts cars.
Mercedes: 2001 E320, 1973 280, 1974 280C, 1989 300E, 1988 300TE, 1979 300TD, parts cars.
2009 Smart Passion
Ford: 1977 F350, 1964 F150 (2), 1938 Tudor Sedan
Farmall tractors: 1956 400 Diesel, 1946 A
And others.

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