Okay, about two weeks ago the transmission in my 1996 850 (base, nonturbo) started acting up. Or, at least, the gear selector started acting up. I have no problems whatsoever getting it into P or R. N is a little worse, but the gear selector moves around more that it used to in that position. Once I go further back, though, things start to go to hell. Getting the selector to stay in D can be tricky. I have to pull it back, almost to D3, before letting go of the button. Then I push it forward until it clicks into place. Even with this careful method though, it still pops into neutral about half the time. Getting it into D3 is even harder, and L is impossible.

Any thoughts? My CEL came on around the same time this started happening, but I'd like to think the two are unrelated. Haven't had the code pulled yet.


EDIT: Also, thanks for the help in my last topic. Cleaning the contacts for my brake light worked perfectly. I remember someone here saying that they like hearing back from people they help, so here it is.

 

sounds as though u may be having an issue with your cable system. have someone shift the car inside while you look down at the trans and see if you see equal cable movement, or alot of flex.

 

-1...just be glad your tranny isnt slipping like mine..

 

*secretly laughs inside at nonsense619 lol*

 

Just remove the center console and look for broken plastic parts around the shifter. The shifter ratchet might have come apart or the slotted rail that keeps it in various positions might have broken off from the assy.

Does it drive fine if you keep it holding at one position like D or R and if the response is correct in respective positons then its most likely the shifter rather then the cable but if the tranny corresponds to different gear as selected from the shifter, then I would look for broken cable or something around that line.

 

850tony...for your joke i am disagreeing with you and agreeing with bestharry

 

Thanks nonsense619 :P

 

My 1995 Volvo 850 Wagon recently decided that it no longer wanted to go in reverse. . . any thoughts?!?!

 

check fluid to start. do you have a flashing up arrow light?

 

Park it where you won't have to use reverse?

Check the usual suspects - fluid level & odor, cable/shifter operation, electrical connections.