1994 Volvo 850 Automatic Transmission NonTurbo

Tom_Maida
Sat, 21 Jul 2018 15:36:37 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

Quote

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.
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 replace. 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. 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 3 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) 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).

And which way to go: Rebuild or replace?
Thanks

17 posts - 8 participants