I have a 1992 Volvo 240 with an automatic transmission. It used to shift into overdrive at about 40 mph, but in the last week is has begun shifting at 55-60 instead. I'm not sure if it matters, but the temperature outside has dropped from 70's to the 40's. I read that it could be a problem with the overdrive solenoid and I could replace it to rule it out. A replacement is $150 or more. I found a bypass solenoid kit at www.ipdusa.com. The kit should have allowed the transmission to run as a standard 4 speed automatic and inactivate the overdrive on/off button on the gear shift.I bought one and installed it.I think it confirmed the solenoid was not the problembecause the car still shifts at 55-60.

Testing transmission fluid pressure is supposedly the next step. I'm not up to snuff on internal automatic tranny workings, but what does testing the fluid pressure indicate? Is a full rebuild or replacement the only way to fix this now?

I appreciate any help you can give.

 

You seem on top of it, but just in case, have tried pressure flushing the tranny, new fluid? If this doesn't help, then you are looking at internal tranny work (rebuild) and costs. Auto trans work with pressure so testing the pressure is valid but then if the pressure is low, what, you are talking rebuild as well... Short term, may be some additive may help, such as TransX, etc.

 

mine is the same. what did you do?

 

does the orange "overdrive arrow" come on? if so it may be a bad overdrive relay, that was the case with my dad's car, but his OD wasn't coming on at all, sounds like this may not be the same situation you're in.

With my 240 (1990) when the engine and trans is cold, the tranny doesn't like to shift into OD till like 50 mph for some reason, does your problem exist when the car is warmed up?

 

My 240('92) does this consistantly even if i let it warm up for 20 min or not. I dont think its normal but this is my first volvo and im not real sure what to expect.

 

I've changed the tranny fluid recently and the OD relay has been replaced. When cold it takes ~10 minutes to shift into OD on the freeway. When warm it shifts right away.

 

yup, sounds just like mine, i bet its something to do with the OD solenoid and fluid temp or something, o well, its not the best thing for the engine or MPG, but wont really hurt the car for 10 min