I'm considering buying a '92 740 wagon with 140k mi. The automatic transmission seems to shift much firmer from 1-2 than most cars I've driven, in fact, if you accelerate hard, it will chirp the tires (unusual for a 4cyl auto). It does have a factory Volvo trailer hitch; could this be the nature of a tow package? (My Astro Van does that when you activate tow-mode). The car is otherwise tight and mechanically solid, and there doesn't seem to be any slippage, lash, lag, etc from the tranny.

Also, I've tried finding info on the options/packages, but can't see to find anything... a) where can I find the option codes on the car, and b) where can I look up the codes on the net?

 

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I assume the car is a non turbo (n/a) car? If so, the kick down cable is probably a bit too tight. Personally, on turbo cars with autos, I purposely lock up the accumulators in the transmission to do that which concerns you. Shifting faster/harder between gears actually does no damage IMO. Still, my money would be on the kick down cable. Click the link and then click "More information on the 740"

 

Non-turbo. The cable has been adjusted and the fluid flushed, no change. He says it has been like that since he bought it, and it is one of several Volvos he's owned and it's the only one that has behaved this way. He also mentioned that this is the only one that had a factory hitch on it, so I thought maybe it might be related, since vehicles with tow packages often have different tranny tuning.

On the subject of the hitch, does anyone know where I can get one for it? It only has the receiver, which is rectangular, about 3"x2", instead of the standard square 2" or 1.25" receivers. I guess worst case I can build a 1.25" adapter for it.

Also, I checked out that link and read about the VIN codes, but couldn't find anything about options and other equipment; most vehicles (all that I've owned) will have a plate or sticker somewhere with a long list of codes detailing everything from colors to gear ratios and radiator size... Surely Volvos have something similar?

 

I've never seen or heard of a trailer package transmission. The AW70 is an extremely hardy transmission. If the kick down is adjusted appropriately then there is probably a tiny piece of trash blocking an accumulator or perhaps in the valve body. There are two schools of thought on whether to flush an old tranny that has not seen regular service. I'm of the opinion that it may do more harm than good...but that's just an opinion. Like having an arguement about Fords vs. Chevy's...or what oil is the best. Folks have their own opinions and that's that. If it's been that for a few years, then I'd leave it alone. Transmissions are still plentiful and easy to swap. I'd buy it.

 

Well, looks like I bought it anyway, offered $1400 and he accepted, so I'll be picking it up this weekend.

On the vehicles I've owned, most of the ones with tow packages nearly always had some sort of tranny mod, whether slightly different tuning or TCM controlled "mode"; the transmissions themselves are the same. Those were also usually accompanied by limited slip diffs, larger radiators, tranny coolers, etc, (hence "package"). Those were all American and Japanese trucks/vans though, so I don't know about Euro vehicles, especially cars; my guess it's just a car with a factory tow hitch.

I didn't flush it, he did, before I ever looked at it. I err on the side of caution and don't flush high mileage vehicles, just in case, unless I know that they were regularly flushed in their past.

 

You may find this interesting....


Transmission-Auto1

 

Very! Thanks, that's good news...
Lot's of other good info there too.