1996 VOLVO 850 ( AUTO TRANSMISSION )

[__Lloyd__]

I have a 1996 850 that is having issues when it shifts gears. Car has 160,000 Km's ( 100,000 miles ) on it. I very strongly feel that I have one or more of the those solenoid valves that is sticking or leaking or some such thing. The question is....CAN these be taken out and replaced with new ones....( without ) taking the transmission out...? Can it be done...??? And if it can be done without taking tranny out, on a difficulty scale of....1 being super easy....and 10 being a nightmare from hell....how hard would it be to do these solenoid values...? Never had to dig into this car on this level and not sure how to go about this....need help and info on this.

[donc]

Have you tried draining the fluid in the transmission drain pan using the drain plug, and then refilling the same amount of fresh fluid into the transmission. It may start to clear up with only that effort and the fluid is cheap by the gallon. Its a cheap, quick, and an easy way to maybe remedy the problem. I would do more drain and fills at intervals from 500-1000 miles and you will notice the fluid that you drain will become redder. You should also notice better, smoother, and more sure shifting at any rate.

The solenoid replacement is a lot of effort to get to the pieces themselves, and almost no effort to change them out. Its better than spending big money for a new transmission. Good Luck!

[scot850]

What are the 'issues' shifting you are having?

donc makes a very good point, as to when was the trans' fluid last replaced, and if it has been done recently, how was it done?

The Volvo auto trans should never be power flushed, particularly the older ones, but I would not recommend it with any auto trans. The chances of dislodging old varnish and clogging the solenoids is way to great.

Draining and filling is the way to go. There are various preferred methods, but typically you need about 12 liters to do this.

I use the: drain the trans oil using the drain plug, and measuring how much has been removed, and then refilling by that amount, then removing the trans cooler pipe at the radiator, and then running a plastic pipe to a catch tank, and draining about 2-3 liters at a time and refilling. Do this unit the fluid runs clear and red. Normally 3-4 drain/fills is enough. Then cycle the trans gearshift through the gears several times, then switch off and check the level and top up as needed, then take for a test run.

Some guys prefer the drain the trans oil pan each time you swap the engine oil and refill for 3 engine oil changes.

You can be really surprised how this can smooth the gear changes. Volvo originally specified the trans as a sealed for life unit, but this was never the realistic case.

Let us know if your symptoms are other than possibly rough/jerky changes.

Neil.