96 850 Transmission Fried

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 28 Sep 2003, 16:15

I had the dreaded flashing arrow/check engine light come on at 90k miles. The INDY shop that I used check the code and informed me it was a solenoid fault. They reset the code and informed me that if it came on again their recomendation would be to power fluch the transmission and reset the computer again, and if it came back on within the next few thousand miles that the tranmission would propably need rebuilding.

At 92K the flashing light came on. I had access to a OBDC II code reader and I pulled the code and reset the computer - trans solenoid. It ran for about another 8 to 9 hunders miles and it came on again. Every time it had happened in the past, the first and second gear would not engage even if it was dropped into 1st, but it would work fine the next day. This time at the 93K mile when the flashing light came on it still would not shift the next day. I got it towed to the shop for a rebuild - I will keep the list informed on progress.

As an FYI for all owning the 850 with the automatic transmission. The Volvo automatic transmission does not have a filter like many of the "other" automatic transmission of other brands. I have been told that the logic behind this is that if there are particles of matter floating arround in the fluid the transmission has already been damaged enough to warrent a rebuild. The mechnaic that imparted this knowledge to me also recomended that the transmission be flushed at least evey 30K miles. Heavier duty use the interval should be more often. Too bad the service manual has the transmission as not ever needing service.

Post by **matthew1** » 28 Sep 2003, 20:45

This is one of those "Tastes Great/Less Filling" arguements. Flush trans fluid or follow Volvo's advice.

Most people that are aware of this issue/independents toss the manual when it comes to this and flush every so often. I did.

Sorry about your problems. For the record, certain trans codes throw the system into 'limp' mode: lights the arrow light on dash -- starts in 3rd -- same thing as winter mode. This is what you experienced. It's a warning thing.

steve · Post by **steve** » 28 Sep 2003, 21:19

I have experienced the very same problems with my trans on my 93 850. I started draining and refilling my trans fluid every other engine oil change and the problem has gone away. I have not had any problems for over 40K miles now. I change engine oil every 3k miles and Trans fluid every 6k. Really easy to do and cheap given the alternative.

digital2 · Post by **digital2** » 29 Sep 2003, 04:55

Whoa!

Trans fluid every 6k? sure is expensive.

Why not every 15K?

bay13 notes that trans fluid will need changing every 20K after testing the oil. hence should be ok to change every 15K

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 03 Oct 2003, 14:49

I tried shopping arround a little for a better price.
Volvo Dealer - $4000 give or take a few hundred for a replacement chunk.The will not rebuild - they stated that rebuilding they almost always had problems with the rebuild.
Aamco - $1988 not counting tourque converter and other misc for a rebuild.
INDY (who is my standard repair shop) - $2600 + tax for a replacement chunk, tourque converter, synthertic fluid, and rear engine seal. They also will not rebuild because of past warranty problems.

I had my INDY R&R the transmission. Like the dealer they have Volvo certified technicians but are 1/3 less on labor and sell me parts for 20% off retail. Loaded with the knowledge I gained from Mathew's Forum Index and the Brickyard I contacted each for repair.

The Dealer (Northeast Metro Atlanta) said that they see only one or two of these a year as they a built to be sevice free and rarely have problems. They then went on to tell me that they do not rebuild because the 850 trans that have been rebuild always come back in warrenty. The estimate did not include the tourque converter.

Aamco told me they repair 2-3 850s a month. Sometimes it is as easy as replacing the solinoid packs ($1200) with no rebuild, full rebuild ($1988) of trans only, or a trans rebuild w/ tourque converter ($2500). They also informed me that the 850 trans was designed on a GM FWD Auto trans with help from GM ??? I didn't know whether or not to go "bull$hit" or not - was not impressed.

Called my INDY, an Independant repair shop, that has certified Volvo techs, They told me basiclly the same thing that the dealer did. They gave me a rough estimate of $2500 + tax. They said that when they did a trans repair they replaced the chunk with a new unit, replace the tourque converter, replaced all trans hoses, and replaced the rear engine seal. I took them the car on Tuesday and they called latter that day upping their estimate by $125 due to prices on the parts. It was ready Thursday morning - $2744 out the door.

While they were at it they also cleaned the engine compartment, vacumed the inside, and detailed the outside of the car. They recomended servicing the trans evey 30K miles - more often if driven in stop-n-go traffic or in the mountains. They recomended when I perform the oil change to verify that the trans oil is not brown or it does not have a burnt smell to it - if it does it is time for a flush.

Post by **matthew1** » 03 Oct 2003, 16:20

Here's a link I have on my Links page...
http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ic/ic40238.htm

It details the 850s transmission. No mention of GM involvement.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 15 Oct 2003, 10:07

I have now put about 1200 miles on the new transmission. It shifts smooth and works like it should. My fuel milage is slightly better than I have experianced in the past - 23 city and 30 highway.

I did have one minor problem with the cruise control not working but it was a loose vacume hose under the airbox - 2 minutes to locate and correct. After that all is working fine.

I will sevice this transmission every 30K to avoid any other trans problems.

Post by **matthew1** » 15 Oct 2003, 12:13

Thanks for the update, TS; glad everything's working well.