cost of auto trans

jim7 · Post by **jim7** » 17 Dec 2006, 08:17

I didn't hear first hand but the word now is, yes the transmission is slipping. I wonder if any of you folks can offer insight in the cost of new vs. rebuilt vs salvage. It is a 96 850 na Canada.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Dec 2006, 08:42

Has it ever had a fluid flush? How many miles? I would flush the ATF and then see how it goes...either way this is much cheaper (especially if it works) than replacing the transmission. To replace the tranny the entire engine/transmission has to come out of the car. You can do the transmissio flush yourself easily. Check the Repair Database on this site...several methods are listed.

jim7 · Post by **jim7** » 17 Dec 2006, 09:37

I'm surprised that a fluid change would make that much difference. As far as the engine it also needs rms.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 17 Dec 2006, 10:53

ATF fluid change can in some cases make all the difference. I'm sorry to hear about the RMS...that's a very expensive repair...probably caused by a clogged PCV/flame trap system. Both the ATF flush and PCV repair/replacement is something that the dealer tends to ignore. We who have had a few of these cars are well versed in the causes and the prevention of both going bad.

Post by **JRL** » 17 Dec 2006, 11:14

I agree.
What do you have to lose, couple of bucks?
A tranny fluch can do absolute WONDERS for these transmissions

jim7 · Post by **jim7** » 18 Dec 2006, 17:41

Well this is not good news. The car needs an exhaust manifold, Cat, front O2 sensor, RMS, rear control arm bushings, and thats the short version. Compression reading, 1- 130, 2 -120, 3-115, 4-110, 5-130. I'm afraid I have a parts car on my hands, estimated cost for repairs $ 6500 without getting into the engine. The good news was the transmission problem was the switch in the gear selector. You guys know your stuff thats for sure.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 18 Dec 2006, 18:53

I hate it for you man. Did you buy it used in that condition? You are right...with all of the issues it seems to have (unless this is what you've been told by some shop that wants to rip you off) you truly are looking at a parts car.

mastertech · Post by **mastertech** » 19 Dec 2006, 06:07

If your 850 is turbocharged I have trany and exhaust manyfold for it in my shop. Call me 905-712-3700 Chris

jim7 · Post by **jim7** » 19 Dec 2006, 19:02

Thanks folks, the car is NA and I wanted to get expert advice so I took it to a Volvo dealership and told them to really check it out and I would pay for their time and not necessarily do repairs. I wanted it as objective as possible.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 19 Dec 2006, 20:50

jim7 wrote:Thanks folks, the car is NA and I wanted to get expert advice so I took it to a Volvo dealership and told them to really check it out and I would pay for their time and not necessarily do repairs. I wanted it as objective as possible.

Hate to tell you but if you want it "objective as possible," you've taken it to the wrong place, unless your dealer is exceptional (rare). The place that would have been most objective is a good independent Volvo shop. I'm afraid that the dealer is going to take your attitude of paying for their time- not necessarily to do repairs as an invitation to point out every little thing that could be wrong but not necessarily wrong with it in hopes that you'll spend tons of money with them. I may be wrong for your sake, but usually not about these things.