960 1997 Transmission?

chuck101 · Post by **chuck101** » 22 Feb 2010, 17:22

Transmission started to act strange. Slips but when it sits for a minute it will go alittle way and slips. May be torque converter or the solenoids?
Any ideas?

Post by **billofdurham** » 23 Feb 2010, 11:48

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

First check the level and condition of the transmission fluid.

Preferably to check the fluid it should be hot, engine running and the car standing on level ground. With your problem you may have to check it cold but the engine running and level ground still apply.

The fluid should be red and have no smell of burning. If it is brown and/or smells burnt it should be changed.

On your car most transmission problems will set a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and put on the check engine light.

Check the fluid and post back with the results.

Bill.

RCR · Post by **RCR** » 23 Feb 2010, 17:55

I have a 98 V-90 wagon and these cars use the same unit that Toyota uses for the Avalon. Volvo does not recommend fully changing the fluid and filter which is a BIG mistake!! If you don't service the unit around every 30K or so it will eventually cause problems!! Take a look at the fluid color is it red or brown? Does it have a burn smell? If the fluid is brown and has a burn smell have the trans serviced and change the filter ASAP. Many of these cars will have never had the trans serviced and many times doing that will solve the issue. I had mine flushed right after I got her.