850 Transmission Intermittently not engaging into 1st gear

95turbowagon · Post by **95turbowagon** » 01 Nov 2016, 14:30

Dear volvo owners,

I purchased a 95' Turbo 850 Wagon with 123k miles from the original owner. I have been trying to get my car up to spec (stage 0). I noticed the transmission fluid was extremely dark. I assumed the owner never changed it.

I ran a series of 2 simple drain and fills with 300-500 miles in between (will do more). I used the correct spec fluid and it looks much cleaner.

I am having intermittent issues going into 1st gear from a full stop. The transmission acts like its in 2nd gear for a split second; the rpms increase but the car doesn't move before finally engaging into first gear.

Things I've checked so far:

Transmission Diagnostic Blink Codes- 1-1-1 (No Faults)

Fluid Level (good)

DTC codes - P0440 (Evap Code)

Is it likely one of these parts is the cause? pnp switch, tps sensor, tcm, leaking oil line somewhere?

Thank you guys and sorry if its a long first post I'm just frustrated trying to find a fix I hope a tranny replacement isn't the fix for me.

dorvin · Post by **dorvin** » 01 Nov 2016, 16:52

If you drop it manually into first gear down from D does it engage correctly?

95turbowagon · Post by **95turbowagon** » 02 Nov 2016, 11:32

dorvin wrote:If you drop it manually into first gear down from D does it engage correctly?

Correct it engages fine using the shifter. it seems it happens most often when coming to a sudden complete stop versus slowly stopping.

Post by **Clemens** » 02 Nov 2016, 17:33

I'm having the same problem on my wife's 854 ever since buying it 6 years ago. Put tenthousands of miles on it and it still runs. I think it is either the converter or the metal ring that engages forward or reverse. It gets better with frequent oil changes, but I think it is a problem related to mechanical wear that would neet to be repaired. You could try adding an atf cooler, it seems to get worse when hot.

95turbowagon · Post by **95turbowagon** » 02 Nov 2016, 19:15

I do notice it happens more often when it warms up. Could it be a transmission solenoid that's not building enough pressure?

: AW50-40_VB (1).jpg (125.62 KiB) Viewed 3340 times

Do you also experience it more often when going to a sudden stop versus slow easy stop?

Thank you

spseminara · Post by **spseminara** » 02 Nov 2016, 20:47

It is lack of pressure. As the trans fluid warms up it becomes thinner and more fluid it increases the symthom. My trans suffered from that problem for 6 years, mostly in the summer, until reverse went out and I had the tranny rebuilt. It's annoying

95turbowagon · Post by **95turbowagon** » 02 Nov 2016, 21:06

Okay I think I have a game plan. I'll look into installing an atf cooler. I will also add some Lucas Trans fix (really thick) after a couple more drain and fills. If I have enough time and courage I will look into testing those solenoids.

95turbowagon · Post by **95turbowagon** » 02 Nov 2016, 21:20

I take that back guys I'm going to check the solenoid. I've replaced the same type on a Lexus it was sticking due to sludge. I'll report back I want to help others with the same symptom.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 02 Nov 2016, 22:21

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

captivated · Post by **captivated** » 04 Dec 2016, 11:28

My 850 will use 1st/2nd gear fine when it's cold, but will not shift into low gear once the tranny is warm. It does show the S1 solenoid code, but why would the electrical solenoid work cold and not warm? I don't want to throw parts at it if thicker fluid is all I need.