# 1992 Volvo 240 automatic won't shift out of 1st gear **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** volvo, 240\ **Created:** [May 14, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296 "2016-05-14T22:56:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RedBrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/41988e/32.png) [@RedBrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RedBrick)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296/1 "2016-05-14T22:56:03Z")
I just picked up this old 240 wagon with 230k miles on it for next to nothing due to a transmission issue. It stays stuck in 1st gear for about the first 15 minutes of drive time and then starts shifting perfectly after that. I took it to a transmission specialist and he thought the valve body may be sticking. I also had an experienced volvo tech adjust the kick down cable but so far its still having the same issue. Any idea’s would be greatly appreciated as I would really like to turn this into a daily driver but am concerned it may need an expensive transmission rebuild. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2016, 11:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296/2 "2016-05-14T23:14:00Z")
The vehicle is a candidate for this stuff. > **[Transmission Fix](https://lucasoil.com/products/transmission-products/lucas-transmission-fix)** > > Lucas Transmission Fix is a non-solvent formula that stops slip, hesitation and rough shifting in worn transmissions and completely eliminates most se... Let us know if it works! Tester ---
**Author:** ![RedBrick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/41988e/32.png) [@RedBrick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RedBrick)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2016, 6:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296/3 "2016-05-15T18:32:30Z")
Do I have to remove some fluid to make room for the additive? ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2016, 5:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296/4 "2016-05-16T05:40:58Z")
Read the KEY BENEFITS again. Tester ---
**Author:** ![Honda-Blackbird](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/honda-blackbird/32/3159_2.png) [@Honda-Blackbird](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Honda-Blackbird)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2016, 2:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296/5 "2016-05-16T14:19:09Z")
I would change the fluid and or trans filter if applicable…and then do what @Tester suggested. How does the current fluid look…and smell ? If it shifts proper when hot…you know it has the ability to function properly…so give it a fighting chance with fluid, filter and additive… Blackbird ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1992-volvo-240-automatic-wont-shift-out-of-1st-gear/93296/6 "2016-05-16T16:45:24Z")
I would change the transmission fluid and filter first and see if the shifting improves. I tried the Lucas product but only got minimal results. I finally added a can of Berryman’s B-12 Chemtool and it worked like a champ. I’ve used this product several times and always got great results.