I recently bought a solid-ish 81 240 wagon for $1000. Driving it around I've noticed that the automatic transmission doesn't shift into 4th gear, so doing 65mph down the highway I'm at around 3500rpm. I'm pretty new to Volvo's, but before this I owned an 88 740 wagon, and it had an auto with 4 gears. So here's what I am wondering: Is it simply a 3 speed? Is it a 4 speed with Over Drive and the overdrive isn't working? Or is it a normal 4 speed that is really, really broken? I've been doing some research online and I haven't gotten anywhere. Wikipedia (maybe not the best source) said that Volvo's automatic 3 speed wasn't put into the 81 240. So I saw that the overdrive relay is usually behind the glove box. I removed my glove box and couldn't find any relay. To be frank, I'm a little stuck. Maybe the OD relay is somewhere else?
So I thought I'd come on here and see if any of you knowledgeable people could help me out! Any advice is welcome.

 

Dude, today is the OD day haha
Check my post: https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...erdrive-81453/

Basically go like this:
1) Button
2) wiring to overdrive solenoid
3) overdrive relay
4) overdrive solenoid with new 2 o-rings.
5) Transmission(which i'm having problems with...)
Also, possible cause kickdown cable, see if your car drops in lower gear when pushing pedal to the metal.

 

I don't think I have a button. Do the 4 speed autos have an overdrive button? Also the relay wasn't behind the glove box like I thought It would be. I'm thinking it might be a 3 speed, but that seems weird to me. I'm gonna get under there and check out the tranny next chance I get and figure out what it is.

 

an 81 might not HAVE an overdrive ?

BW55 automatics were 3 speed.

 

indeed, the VADIS parts catalog only lists BW55 and AW55 3-speeds as options for a 1981 240 with the B21F engine. The preferred transmission in those days was the M46 4-speed stick shift with overdrive.

 

Thanks man. That's sort of a hassel, I don't know why Volvo have thought it a good idea to only put a three speed auto in a car. I can't imagine I'm going to be be getting very good gas mileage!

 

my brothers' old 1964 chevy belair only had a 2 speed automatic. low, high, and thats it. Even with a small block v8 (283?), a clapped out TR-4 running on 3 cylinders could beat it in a 0-60.

 

had an '89 vw jetta with an auto 3spd...
it worked just ok, not too annoying on the highway...
if i'm not mistaken my '69 145s was a 3spd auto.. memory fading ..was a long time ago!

 

most all the 1xx series I've seen were stick shifts, either 4 speed or 4+OD.