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Followup To
Question -
First and most important, thanks for offering to help with advice.
Lately, the transmission on my 1995 850 GLT is beginning to act a little strange. Once or twice a week as I am slowing down for a stop, the car seems to drop out of gear, then about a second later re-engages in the corect gear, then it is fine. The car has about 127k miles and the transmission has never been worked on, except for a valve or switch which was replaced by the dealer about 16 months ago when the car would stay in the winter mode and start off in thir gear. (The little red arrow light also stayed on until fixed and reset. I can look up the old service record and relay info from it, if that would be useful.) I have checked the transmission fluid while idling and warm and it seems to be full. It does seem a little brownish and may have a slight burnt odor, but not bad. Is there some sort of vacumm modulator or something relatively simple which may be causing this? How about the computer controller?
Any advice would be greatly apprecited.
Thanks
Jerry Miller
Answer -
Hello Jerry! If you have any more info, that would be great. The more I know the better I can help you. However, judging from what you are telling me, there seems to be an internal fault with the transmission. The trans is electronic and has many switches and sensors that can cause many different problems. I would check for fault codes in the TCM. (Trans Control Module). A special tool is needed to check for faults. If the fluid is not red, then it is burnt, which is not a good sign. You probably had a gear position sensor replaced already. I have a feeling you may need to replace the trans soon! Send more info if you can.
Jimmy
Hello, thanks for you quick response. I looked at my records last night and you are exactly correct, the gear position sensor was the part replaced in Feb 03 (@110K miles). The fault trace code then was 313 indicating the gear position sensor was faulty. It was replaced with a 9466012-3 PNP Switch, and seemed fine for over a year. Do you think it would be best to have the dealership check for fault codes in the TCM first, or should I have the trans fluid changed first and check for any changes?
What is a reasonable price for a new or rebuilt trans? Would you recommend a new or would a rebuilt be just as good? I was hoping to keep this car for at least a few more years. Would you recommend only an authorized Volvo dealership or a transmission speciality shop if the replacement is necessary?
I have noticed that it seems to do this after I have been on the highway and everything is fine, then when I am on stop and go traffic it does this once. It seems like the trans has shifted into neutral for a second then back into gear. Just a slight bucking then fine the rest of the day.
If you can think of anything I should ask at the repair place I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks again,
Jerry Miller
AnswerHey Jerry! I would have it checked by a Volvo dealer or an independent Volvo shop. It is best to check for fault codes first and the fush the fluid if needed. If you need to replace the trans, a factory rebuilt unit is recommended. It can be purchased through a dealer. It is best to have someone who knows Volvo to replace it. The cost should be around 2500.00 for parts and labor. If you need help in the future I'll be here. Or look me up at my website.
Jimmy
www.jlcarclinic.com
www.vovoclinic.com
