I have recently purchased a 1991 volvo 240 manual 5 speed sedan. It drives fine in all gears except 5th. When you shift into 5th gear it acts like it is in neutral. I am unsure what would cause this and I have read a lot about peoples over drive (5th gear) going out but I believe my car is not equipped with overdrive. With over drive I believe you place the gear selector in the middle of the gears and press a button and this activates the fifth gear or overdrive. My gear selector just has the fifth gear on the top far right. I would appreciate any suggestions anyone may have as to what it would be. I am going to take it to a shop when I get a chance I would just like to have an idea of what it may be before take it down there. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, THANKS.

 

You have a "true" 5 speed, the M47 which replaced the earlier "button on top" M46. The 5th gear is your overdrive, and it sounds like it has given up the ghost in your case. Best bet is to find a used working trans to replace it with... Fixing what you have in a shop will be likely more expensive.

 

I love my m47 by the way. Makes the N/A 240 a pleasure to drive.

I'd also suggest finding a tranny that has all the gears working. Unless you just drive around the city.