1994 Volvo 850 Non Turbo Automatic Transmission

[tmmaida]

I have a 1994 Volvo 850, Automatic transmission, non-turbo.

1. In the past year, it's been a little more sluggish acting on start-up sometimes, acting as though it was in too high of a gear. That is, it sometimes acts like it was starting out in 3rd gear, instead of 1st. I've tested it my manually moving the gear shift lever, and it does seem to act differently, but it is not a fix.

In drive, I've tried giving it more gas to get a better pick-up, and while not perfect fix, does seem to overcome that issue.
I've been told that at least the left and right lower motor mounts are bad, and read somewhere that was a potential issue. Haven't had them replaced. I've not seen that there's any issue with the engine, and had it checked - no problem reported.

In the past 6 months, I've flushed out the transmission with about 2 1/2 gallons of ATF, until it came out clean, and in past month, added a big container of Lucas AFT additive (for slipping).

2 In the past 3-4 months, the real demon has appeared, this is in reverse: giving gas is a sure way to not move!
It's getting progressively worse - In reverse, if there's any resistance (on dirt, backing up an incline), instead of moving the car smoothly, there is a "brr brr brr sound", a mild vibration, and the car either won't move at all, or will hesitantly move.

Giving the car any gas at all makes the issue worse - the car won't back up at all, and gives the mild sound and vibration instead. Best way to back up is even smooth pavement, no acceleration.


This started out with a clunk when going into reverse. Now, going into reverse doesn't give the clunk, just this business.


I've gotten 4 inputs: 1) The mounts won't make a difference, if it is the transmission itself, that's not repair item 2) The mounts are flat, maybe that will help, but they can replace the trasnmission, 500 for the two mounts, 1500-2000 to replace, save about 100$ if I get both jobs at same time 3) The mounts won't help, remove and rebuild transmission and mounts at same time, no number available yet. 4) He did his check sitting in driver seat - car in drive, then reverse : Mounts may help, but suggest replacing the transmission and mounts at the same time, will check around for replacement and get back to you


Ideas? Inputs? More diagnostics?

I believe the mounts, there is the vibration, rear main seal leaking for about 2 decades (told soaking mounts in oil isn't a good idea, and oil gets on them).

Know anyone in my area who will give another opinion (only #2 has actually been under the car, and #4 did a sit in driver seat test (and hasn't gotten back to me in a month).

Rebuild/repair, or replace with a used transmission? And why?
Thanks

[Ringo]

I’m wondering what you’ve decided to do as I have a similar issue with Reverse in my ‘99 v70 XC.

However, I don’t have problems with it being sluggish going forward in Drive. It sounds like it’s in “limp mode”.

Did you or your mech. check for any codes?

[tmmaida]

No, not limp. It's better than that. Well, finding that it was a replace or rebuild, I've decided to keep using it, since it runs, doesn't slip in drive, that sluggishness isn't consistent (AC is a drain), and the price increase while I drive it (for the fix) won't be a bother. So I'm waiting. Who knows how long it will last this way? I'm going to drain some transmission fluid, and add another 12 or 14 oz of Lucas.

[scot850]

Is your trans stuck in winter mode? That is the 'W' button in front of the shifter. Car starts in 3rd gear if that is depressed.

Neil.

[tmmaida]

No - it did have a problem several years ago - where it did get stuck - had that repaired - now that you mention it, there is intermittent feel like that. i've solved this part by manually shifting thru gears, when it appears - it seems linked to parking a block from the ocean on wet days. I don't live by the ocean, so that's not a problem too often. Thanks.