94 850 Wagon auto tranny?
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2008
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94 850 Wagon auto tranny?
Hey Folks,
I'm 98% sure i'm picking up a 94 850 TurboWagon this weekend with an auto tranny. A few of my "car guy" friends have been making me nervous about the cost of volvo auto tranny's. How reliable are they? Are they really that much to re-build/replace?
The car i'm looking at has an upgraded turbo and exhaust system currently. Not sure if that matters or not to the tranny but just incase it's some background information.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks,
Andrew
I'm 98% sure i'm picking up a 94 850 TurboWagon this weekend with an auto tranny. A few of my "car guy" friends have been making me nervous about the cost of volvo auto tranny's. How reliable are they? Are they really that much to re-build/replace?
The car i'm looking at has an upgraded turbo and exhaust system currently. Not sure if that matters or not to the tranny but just incase it's some background information.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks,
Andrew
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 36,349
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From: Orlando, Florida
RE: 94 850 Wagon auto tranny?
It is a 50/50 shot I have seen some go 200,000 miles but have also seen some go out at 50,000 miles.
A used one can be had for about $500.00 to $700.00.
Or you can look very high and low to try to find a manual tranny 850 and convert it over to a manual.
A used one can be had for about $500.00 to $700.00.
Or you can look very high and low to try to find a manual tranny 850 and convert it over to a manual.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: 94 850 Wagon auto tranny?
awesome. i know you can easily switch from auto to manual on a vw for next to nothing. i was hoping it was the same for volvo's. driving an auto means the wife gets to drive it, but manual means it's all for me 
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,340
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From: IPS, MA
RE: 94 850 Wagon auto tranny?
Hi Andrew,
The auto gearbox on 850 is generally durable, but if the fluid has never been serviced, it may act up and Volvo does not recommend repairs on the unit and just says to replace it. Test drive it and if the gears shift smoothly, it probably is fine. There is one service manual available for the gearbox, but you would have to do a lot of homework before taking it apart, as auto gearboxes are much like black box. Problem usually stems from faulty solenoids, which you can now replace, as FCP Groton started selling solenoids, and the clutch plates (yes there are clutches within an auto gearbox) may wear out due to neglected fluid/abuse/ignorant shifting technique (e.g., shifting into drive/reverse when the car isstill in motionin the opposite direction).
Also,check on fluid level & condition. If the fluid has discolouration and has burnt smell,leave the car alone. If the fluid looks clear red and has no burnt smell, it would be fine but I wouldn't flush the gearbox if it has accumulated over 60,000 miles without a flush, as introduction of fresh fluid may wash out the built up sludge and clog the tiny fluid passages.
FYR:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850tranny.htm
http://www.atsg.biz/cgi-bin/shopper....26pricecode%3D
Best of luck to you,
JPN
The auto gearbox on 850 is generally durable, but if the fluid has never been serviced, it may act up and Volvo does not recommend repairs on the unit and just says to replace it. Test drive it and if the gears shift smoothly, it probably is fine. There is one service manual available for the gearbox, but you would have to do a lot of homework before taking it apart, as auto gearboxes are much like black box. Problem usually stems from faulty solenoids, which you can now replace, as FCP Groton started selling solenoids, and the clutch plates (yes there are clutches within an auto gearbox) may wear out due to neglected fluid/abuse/ignorant shifting technique (e.g., shifting into drive/reverse when the car isstill in motionin the opposite direction).
Also,check on fluid level & condition. If the fluid has discolouration and has burnt smell,leave the car alone. If the fluid looks clear red and has no burnt smell, it would be fine but I wouldn't flush the gearbox if it has accumulated over 60,000 miles without a flush, as introduction of fresh fluid may wash out the built up sludge and clog the tiny fluid passages.
FYR:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850tranny.htm
http://www.atsg.biz/cgi-bin/shopper....26pricecode%3D
Best of luck to you,
JPN
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