Hi,

I recently had the transmission of my Volvo 850 GLT blow out. More specifically the car ceased to move though the engine would continue to rev when I hit the gas. Upon inspecting the vehicle and i found that the transmission line to the radiator had popped off (upper drivers side connector). After reconnecting the hose and topping off the fluid symptoms remain the car will rev but not move.

Any ideas? How can I tell if it is a transmission problem versus and electrical unit problem such as the transmission control unit? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Based on your post, the transmission fluid escaped from the burst line. A dry tranny is a dead tranny. Sorry.

Too late to have saved it. The line goes to the transmission cooler iirc.

 

It is hard to properly fill the transmission. I would pull the plug on the transmission, then add 3.5 quarts back and see if that helps. There may be to much air in the system to help it the first time.

Another thing to try is to shift the car in drive, press the WINTER mode button and see if the car will start moving in 3rd gear.

 

Thanks for the replies. I will try a fluid flush and see if that helps any.

 

Also try all the gears. Slowly row through every gear and leave it there for a few seconds before shifting to the next. No need to rev the engine. If something is dry or somehow air is trapped revving is a sure way to damage it further.

Volvo also has a procedure to check fluid level. In your case as long as you are reading near full that should be good but if you get it running again I'd check it "their" way


CHECKING FLUID LEVEL
1) Ensure vehicle is level. Apply parking brake and gear
selector lever to "P" position. Start and idle engine. Move gear
selector lever through all gears, while pausing 4-5 seconds for
engagement at each position.
2) Return gear selector lever to "P" position. Wait 2 minutes
and check fluid level with engine idling. Level should be between MIN
and MAX marks.

 

How is it going with your transmission problem

 

Hey thanks everyone for your replies. Based on your input we decided to take it to a local transmission shop for a flush. That solved the issue completely. However the cause was the (in my opinion) poorly designed quick connect clips that hold hoses on the radiator. We made sure they were fastened correctly and bound them with plastic zip ties to ensure they don't move. If anyone has a more elegant solution or an aftermarket enhancement, i think that would good to know about.

 

They recommend using new "C" clips and "O" rings every time. That seems a little overkill but if I ever have a hose come loose I'll surely rethink that position.

Your idea of adding a zip tie is just a light bulb moment. Never thought of it but it's a great "belt and suspenders" idea. I for one will be going out and adding that to all four of the connections on the radiator tomorrow. It's cheap and easy and could save you from a tow and having to clean your engine on top of refilling the trans or engine oil.

 

That does make a bit of sense. One of the clips was definitely a little misshapen and a new clips on every removal would help.

Thanks again for everyone's help. Your timely reponses made all the difference.

 

I put a small hose clamps on mine years ago, have not had a problem since. Zipties would have worked also.

Thanks,
Stan

 

I found a hose clamp on one also (stainless steel worm drive type). They're a lot more durable than zip ties.