Help ! Please don't say it's the transmission !!

Birka940 · Post by **Birka940** » 21 Jun 2009, 15:19

Hello All, It will be easier to paste in the most recent advise I got from AllExperts.com first. I have not checked the fuel pump or fuel filter yet..

"Hello, I have a '93 volvo 940 wagon with 130,000 miles in mint condition, except for a leaking a/c condenser that I have yet to fix.
Recently it has the following behavior: After an hour or so of stop and go traffic driving (in the city) - from a complete stop , at a stop light, when I press the gas pedal, it does not want to accelerate/respond and feels like it is
in 2nd gear as it moves foward. If I pump the pedal and after a few seconds it "kicks" in and seems to be accelerating and shifting normal while driving. Also, It does not seem to occur at all during or after driving at speed on the highway for a period of time only after stop and go driving. The temp is normal and all cooling systems are functioning normally in all cases and fluid levels are normal as well.

Answer : " Read the codes in the fuel and ignition system follow those. Make sure that the in tank pump is working (if you have the Bosch system).
With a fuel pressure gauge attached see if the fuel pressure fails when the lose of power happens. If it fails you will be looking at fuel pump or pressure regulator."

Update : new information - Last night while driving on the highway in what assume was 5th/4th gear at about 65mph , the car seamed to "buck/jerk" forward with knock sound. It only did this twice in a row then I pulled over. I checked under the hood and chassis and everything appeared normal. Got back on the road and drove about 55mph the rest of the way cautiously, it did not happen again. there is no check engine light on as well.
Any advise on where to have my mechanic start looking would be helpful.
Thanks, Eric.

Steven242 · Post by **Steven242** » 21 Jun 2009, 15:37

Sounds like the same problems I'm having, read my post on "Again with the '78 242 issues, Help"

It just seems like the trans on my car is on its way out. doesn't seem to want first gear, or when it does take first it is forever shifting. Motor is in top running order except for a leaky gasket, but it isn't that bad.

Birka940 · Post by **Birka940** » 21 Jun 2009, 16:00

thanks, I'll check out your post from before.

Post by **billofdurham** » 22 Jun 2009, 12:51

Birka940, welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Although you don't have a check engine light showing it is still policy to check for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) using the On-Board Diagnostic Unit in the engine compartment as some DTCs have been known to not set the light.

Also check the basics for the transmission: fluid level, colour and smell. There should be enough fluid, preferably red in colour and not smelling burnt. On the '92 - '94 940 the transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles. When was this last done?

Bill.

Birka940 · Post by **Birka940** » 22 Jun 2009, 21:09

Thanks for the reply. I checked the transmission fluid, it is full/normal/ and red in color. It appear to be normal. I drove in traffic today and it did not have the symptoms I described in this thread. It seems not consistent. I will have my mechanic check the codes. If it is the transmission, is it better to fix/rebuild the current one or do I have to get a new oem replacement put in? Thanks for the help. Eric

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Jun 2009, 11:50

Don't give up hope on the box yet. They can do 250,000 miles before needing a rebuild and then it is usually only the clutch and brake packs need replacing, usually all the bearings are still OK.

If your mechanic is not too happy about tackling an auto box, and most of them try to avoid them, find a transmission specialist who will be able to advise you of its condition.

However, get the codes read first to rule out any engine problems.

Bill.