[thecat]

Hi i have a 93 850glt yesterday the orange arrow light in the dash started to flash. I checked the fluid and it was very muddy looking so i drained off about 3 litres and refilled it with new oil . I then took it for a test drive after about 5kms the orange light started flashing and i just managed to get home. This morning i started the car and the orange light came on again i then left it for about an hour and when i went back to it and started it there was no light on and the car would move back and forwards but after 2-3 minutes it would'nt move . I checked the on-board diagnostics which gave me the code 3-2-3. Which say's in the manual Lock-up slips or not engaged. Hope someone can help thanks.

 

[Tech]

Check your coolant and make sure it doesn't look pink.There is a possibility the radiator broke internaly and mixed the trans fruid and coolant.If it did then you might end up putting a trans and a radiator in the car.what does the trans fluid look like now?

 

[thecat]

Hi the fluid is a red colour but that was the colour of the fluid from new. The radiator water level has not moved and is still green/blue with the antifreeze. when the car is first started there is a whirring noise which seems to get louder the more throttle you give the engine and does appear to be coming from the gearbox.

 

[Tech]

Sounds like a transmission issue.Most likely needs a new transmission.

 

[thecat]

Hi car at volvo dealer tells me no oil pressure in box. Does automatic gearbox have a filter in it if so could this be the cause. He's quoting me £2600 for new box and fitting. Also says that if i find a second hand one it has to be compatible as you can't put in any one. found a second hand from same year of car gave him the chassis number but told me it's not compatible.HELP.

 

[Tech]

As far as I know it has to be out of a 1993 or 1994 Auto with the same engine as yours.Not sure if yours is turbo or non turbo.

There is no trans filter on those cars.They are kinda built like a manual trans but is automatic.

 

[thecat]

Hi so what could be causing the problem of no pressure.Would it be worth taking it to a transmission specialist.

 

[Tech]

I never took them apart so no pressure would be an internal problem.You might be able to get it rebuilt for close to what you would pay for a new one.

 

[thecat]

Hi getting fed-up of dealer spent all day looking for a second hand box but keeping told not compatable. found a 95-850 2.5 20valve apart from being 2years younger.It has the identical engine and Winter-Econ-Sport Button.Still told from volvo not compatable.What do you think.

 

[Tech]

Im not sure They wont tell you what year and VIN range you need.They should be able to give you the info and then you could look from there.

 

[thecat]

All they say is they need chassis number or registration number to put into there computer .To tell if it's compatable.

 

[Tech]

Unfortunitly I think that is the only way.If you can try calling a salvage yard and see if they give you any infromation from their computer.

 

[magsam]

Dear thecat,
Your problem happened with me in my Volvo 940GL, 1993 model, the dipstick showed muddy(thick)...the problem was a crack in the oil cooling part which is already inside radiator. had to rectify the leak first. then gearbox has to be overhauled as you said you lost the pressure and no correct shifting.
Well! it could not be major overhauling, its a cleaning and checking inside parts-more or less.

Wish you success.

Magsam

 

[ampangbear]

I am just wondering, is gearbox an issue with the 850? I have read quite a few complaints on the net, even before I bought my 'baby' but this is probably the first time that I encountered a complaint about gearbox on the 850. Arg. Hope mine won't become the next 'black-sheep of the herd'.

 

[Tech]

The 95 and 96 were the best years for the transmissions.The earlier cars had the most problems.

 

[ampangbear]

Thank goodness! * phew *

 

[Tech]

You should be good for a while but I can't promise it.