Automatic Gearbox Problems

[madmick]

I have a problem with the auto box on my 1994 850 T5 estate. Basically what happens is she won't change gear when she's first started, and will only change gear when you pull back slightly on the gear stick.

Occassionally, if you only go a short journey, say to the shops and stop to get the paper when you come back out again she will refuse to start in either neutral or park and you need to wiggle the gear stick, for the most part she will start after a couple of attempts but lately its been getting much harder to find the right "position" to get her going again.

Here's where it gets weird - when she warms up say 5 miles into the journey everything will kick back in and she will happily drive all day with no problems.

I've sought advice from Volvo and of course they won't commit thmselves without me taking her to the service centre and them sticking the arm in up the shoulder in labour charges, however, what I have been told on the quiet by one of the mechenics is that that problem could stem from the Starter Inhibitor Switch which will cost about £140 + VAT and labour.

Have any of you guys ever come across a problem similar to this and if so what was the outcome.

Any information will be VERY gladly welcomed because it really is starting to drive me NUTS!!!!!!

Regards

Sam

[Wobbly Dave]

You need to seek advice from an AT specialist - my feeling is that it is something to do with the selector switch? Diagnosis via forum is nigh on impossible

[madmick]

You need to seek advice from an AT specialist - my feeling is that it is something to do with the selector switch? Diagnosis via forum is nigh on impossible

Thanks for the update Wobbly Dave, I have already taken her to a garage that works on nothing only automatic transmissions and all I got out of him was I needed a reconditioned greabox at nearly £1600.00 + fitting and VAT. If thats the case the car is not worth fixing and I may as well send her to the big Volvo graveyard in the sky

[iGGy]

When I was having weird shift problems I'd already changed the PNP switch and this led me back to the new part potentially being faulty as my reason for changing it was a lack of reversing lights, not shifting problems. I tested the switch and as has since been confirmed (and refunded) it was floating in resistance and causing the box to shift or not.

As stated its difficult to diagnose remotely, but the fact you can influence the gearbox by moving the stick slightly could indicate contact problems within the switch.

[madmick]

Hi iGGy sorry for being a bit dull but could you possibly tell me what the PNP switch is?

I'm not Irish for nothing.

Look forward from hearing from you

Sam

[iGGy]

PNP (Park Neutral Position) is another term for the inhibitor switch on the top of the gearbox. There are lots of contacts in it and one of the things to try to see if things improve is to 'row' the selector between P and L about 20 times to try and clean the contacts. Usually though, a new switch will end up being required.

[madmick]

Thanks for the info guys, I really do appreciate all your help.

Best wishes

Sam

PS I'll let you know how I get on.