1997 850 Transmission Downshift Problem

kseyoum · Post by **kseyoum** » 04 Oct 2006, 13:05

Well, I still did not get around to flush the transmission. However, a new problem just popped up: The orange arrow started flashing and the check engine check light came on. The code read: P0734 [Gear 4 incorrect ratio]. I have since eliminated the flashing arrow by excercising the shifter ~20 times. My question is: Is this new error code somehow connected to my original problem; that is, the auto transmission not being able to switch back to 1st gear resulting in a stall when coming to a stop.

Any inputs?
Thanks,
-Kef

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 23 Aug 2007, 20:22

I'm looking at an 850T with this problem

No up arrow or cel.

It seems to stick in gear, and has problems downshifting... like a manual that is going to stall. Has 123k on it, no history.

What should I be looking at? Should I buy the car? Price is right...

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Aug 2007, 21:08

Last 2 posts: Classic PnP switch (Park-neutral-Position). Look in the repair database....there are some write-ups (I believe) on how to replace the switch. Another (not long term) option is to turn the car on, put your foot on the brake and racket the gear shift from P down to the lowest gear and back up, quickly about 20 times....sometimes this will clean the switch enough to work again for a while.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 23 Aug 2007, 21:09

MadeInJapan wrote:Last 2 posts: Classic PnP switch (Park-neutral-Position). Look in the repair database....there are some write-ups (I believe) on how to replace the switch. Another (not long term) option is to turn the car on, put your foot on the brake and racket the gear shift from P down to the lowest gear and back up, quickly about 20 times....sometimes this will clean the switch enough to work again for a while.

Would that apply to my problem? The non-downshifting? Thank you!

Post by **JRL** » 23 Aug 2007, 21:22

phoenix_iii wrote:
MadeInJapan wrote:Last 2 posts: Classic PnP switch (Park-neutral-Position). Look in the repair database....there are some write-ups (I believe) on how to replace the switch. Another (not long term) option is to turn the car on, put your foot on the brake and racket the gear shift from P down to the lowest gear and back up, quickly about 20 times....sometimes this will clean the switch enough to work again for a while.
Would that apply to my problem? The non-downshifting? Thank you!

Yes, that controls the shifting

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 23 Aug 2007, 21:33

JRL wrote:
phoenix_iii wrote:
MadeInJapan wrote:Last 2 posts: Classic PnP switch (Park-neutral-Position). Look in the repair database....there are some write-ups (I believe) on how to replace the switch. Another (not long term) option is to turn the car on, put your foot on the brake and racket the gear shift from P down to the lowest gear and back up, quickly about 20 times....sometimes this will clean the switch enough to work again for a while.
Would that apply to my problem? The non-downshifting? Thank you!
Yes, that controls the shifting

Hmm... So going from P to L 15-20 times should temporarily relieve the situation? If not, what else could it be? Could the ratcheting P to L NOT help and it still be the PNP (I would think it's possible). What else can I test/check before I commit to this car?

Thank you!!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Aug 2007, 05:07

Of course, you should get your codes read. Autozone or other auto parts stores should do that for you for free, but if the ratchetting doesn't do it, then PNP replacement is in order.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 24 Aug 2007, 05:15

MadeInJapan wrote:Of course, you should get your codes read. Autozone or other auto parts stores should do that for you for free, but if the ratchetting doesn't do it, then PNP replacement is in order.

MIJ, thank you for being so direct. I do not have any codes (that I can see). I am going to go buy the car and hope for the best.

Last question. Do my symptoms sound like a no brainer PNP problem? Here is my original post on another forum (most of it)
"Looking to get into my first Volvo 850T. I drove it tonight. Fun!

*edit* No flashing arrow or cel light

The car I am buying from a dealer who got it at auction, but has a tranny problem. What is known.
1) 122k on the clock
2) Tbelt at 118k
3) Clean overall Price is right because of tranny.

He brought it to a friend mechanic who said it could be the TPS or other sensors...

Here's the deal.

Starts accelerating fine. Kind of jumps into 2nd gear, not exactly smooth, but not slamming either. Is okay when accelerating or getting on it.

It has a lot of trouble coming down from gear. Seems like it stays stuck in 3rd or 4th, and sounds like it's lugging the engine (staying in too high a gear, like a manual car in a high gear).

What he has been doing is when coming to stop, taking it from Drive to Neutral, it drops down, and then putting it back and drive and going.. Has put 2k on it doing this. "

Appreciate your time on this. I will be making investments and repairs based on the advice I find here.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 25 Aug 2007, 07:11

I forgot what all was posted before this, but I would do a drain and flush with the tranny fluid and see if the shifting improves. You do not want to keep putting it in to N as the car shifts.

phoenix_iii · Post by **phoenix_iii** » 27 Aug 2007, 07:15

MadeInJapan wrote:I forgot what all was posted before this, but I would do a drain and flush with the tranny fluid and see if the shifting improves. You do not want to keep putting it in to N as the car shifts.

Why not (shifting into N)?

Also, is it possible for there to be codes without a CEL or other light indicator.