My '95 automatic (non-turbo) developed what was thought to be transmission problems at approx. 95K miles. After highway speeds (20 minutes or more) and sometimes after city driving, pulling away from a stop light, car would experience a 2-3 second "delay" (hesitation)and then tranny would engage, with a slight, muffled "clunk" noice. Four opinions later, had transmission replaced (used/105K) but problem did not resolve. Controller module replaced next (also used). Have recently had throttle position sensor replaced. The "delay" still occurs but now an added issue: when I leave my home each morning, car won't upshift (nine times out of ten trips). I manually put into 3 then back to D. Most every time time the gearbox fault indicator light then comes on (flashing amber arrow) and for the next four to five stop and go's, tranny feels like it is in 4th gear when it should be in first. This will resolve itself after four to five stop and go's OR if I pull over and shut engine down for a few seconds. Obviously, this is not a transmission problem; rather an electrical issue. (Car is now at 105K miles). No mechanic (Volvo and otherwise) I have spoke to can ascertain WHAT the true problem is. Anyone have any clues?

 

It does sound like a transmission problem, but the fact that you changed it is baffling. How is the transmission fluid level? Check it when the engine is warm and running.

 

How bout trans shift solenoid? Did you put new ones in your new trans or recycle old ones? maybe something to do with the traction control?

 

If he changed the whole transmission he more than likely changed the solenoids as well.

If you used the old ones, then that's where your problem is. My transmission sometimes drops out of first gear when I'm coming to a stop and I know the reason is the pressure control solenoid (solenoid #3) but I can't do anything about it.

 

So what's the common denominator here (assuming trans solenoids were changed out)?

The trans is different; the Trans Controller is different... what about an intermittent fault in the wire harness between the controller and the trans???

You should have some transmission controller codes set; have you read them?

 

fluid is full and clean (as it was with the tranny that was removed).

 

No new parts were utilized when transmission was changed out.

 

This could be telling: check engine light was illuminated for many months prior to the tranny change out. Code was read as oxygen sensor. (check engine light came on many, many months after tranny problems began). mechanic said both front and rear oxygen sensors were bad, so installed new ones recently. Check engine light still is illuminated. Sheesh. I am going to mechanic No. 5 (local shop that services Volvos only) and will ask about about both these suggestions (harness and codes). Thanks, much Intermittent and electrical problems equal utter frustration (and lots of cash thrown at what is thought to be the problem!)