94 850 transmission.. all gears are now drive

[kokigami]

I think this is my first post here. And I think that this is my cars year, but it is in that three or four year group. Non Turbo, 5 Cylinder, Automatic.

Background. I loaned this car to a friend last year, it came back with a transmission problem.. kept dropping into Neutral at stop lights. Had to turn it off, let it cool, and it would work. Took it in, they told me I needed new seals, which I had them do, and it didn't fix the problem. So, I found this site, and via searching, learned a bit about the PNP and eventually, the flywheel sensor, which, it proved, was the problem. Replaced it, car ran fine for me all summer.

Again loaned it to that friend (I should learn) and again, it came back with a transmission problem. First known symptom was that it wouldn't go into reverse. It also seemed to be in forward when in Neutral, though, I thought that might be the slight slope. It was parked in their driveway, with a steep drop ahead, and I had to bring a truck to pull it out to the street. Ran ok in drive, so I took it home.

Put it in the garage. Checked the fluids, now that it was warm and transmission seemed really low, so I added a quart. Now it see that it appears to be acting as Fwd in Neutral and Even Park.

Reverse lights come on in Reverse, but no movement. Accelerate in Park and it rolls a bit forward. Same in Neutral. I am thinking the Reverse lights argue against a PNP switch problem.. but I am not an expert. Considering a Flush, with the idea that a valve for forward may be obstructed and unable to close? But I know squat about how an automatic works. Also, could it be that sensor? It was an aftermarket thing I got via Ebay..

Hope someone has a few ideas.

[precopster]

Clutch plates for both forward and reverse are on the same planetary shaft on the next generation AW55-50SN. My 2001 XC70 had the same issue and it turned out to be fused clutch plates which had worn through the friction material.

[E Showell]

I'd be asking that friend to be funding the repairs if I were you . . . And if it really is a friend, they'd offer before you asked after you mentioned the car came back in less than A-1 shape.

[kokigami]

well, update. I guess it doesn't have forward in park, only drive, n and r. but that probably doesn't change the equation much. I am guessing the clutch plate could fuse if the fluid got too low? My friend has no money. Which is why I loaned the car. I am more annoyed with the shop. Transmission has leaked worse since they had replaced the seals than it did before, and it wasn't even a correct diagnosis.

Oh, and thank you for the help, in any case. I am guessing that means rebuild or replace? Not sure I want to put more money into this. I bought the car for my kid four years ago, but when she moved across country I gave her my old car and got a newer one. Still, I like the beast, despite its problems.

[abscate]

Swapping out for a used one is probably the only practical route, IFF needed. I'll let the auto trans experts comment on your trans trouble.