QuestionQUESTION: Hi Ray,
our Volvo 1991 240 DL wagon has 256K miles on it and has recently begun exhibiting problems with the automatic transmission. Specifically, from cold start, when we begin driving with the shift lever in 'D', the transmission will only operate in it's lowest gear. Shifting manually to 2 or 1 or back into N doesn't make any difference. After about two miles, the transmission will begin shifting normally, usually after I've manually tried to go back into 2, it will then shift from it's lowest gear into 2, then when I move the lever back to D, then it finally goes into D.
A local Volvo mechanic tried draining some excess transmission fluid (it had been overfilled sometime last year) and added some Lucas transmission additive, but this didn't make any difference after 150 miles of driving.
Any thoughts?
Thanks very much!
ANSWER: Bill,
Most times when I see this the trans is shot and needs replacement. The only thing left to try is having the trans fluid flushed completely and see if that helps. With the mileage and the possibility of the trans not working right, you may want to fore go the flush and put that money toward a rebuilding. The problem you have starts in the valve body and will cause wear in the clutch packs.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Ray,
just to clarify, you're saying my focus should be on having the trans rebuilt, rather than replaced outright? I was wondering if getting a used transmission was worth it, but then sooner or later, it might have trouble too. Is rebuilding viable? Otherwise, the car is in excellent shape, systems-wise.
Thanks again; take care...
Bill
AnswerBill,
The trans in the car can be rebuilt or if they are still available you can get a reman unit through Volvo. As for the used one, there is no such thing as a "low mileage" trans to be found. At least most times I have looked. If the car is worth the cost of a reman unit that is a lot less expensive then a newer car.
