I have a 850 Turbo Wagon 1994 with 76 K on it. Had the tranny fluid flushed/replaced recently because when the car is cold I have to drive in 3rd for about 3-5 miles before shifting back to Drive as it will stay in what seems like 2nd gear and the rpm's go up very fast! Talked to 2 dealers who told me it needed replcement at almost 3k, and 1 mechanic who said the inner seals were just hard and it would go away when summer came. he said they called this "morning sickness" with Volvo and SAABs and it would not harm the tranny at all. After it settles in, it drives like a dream. Any others have this problem with the 850 automatic? Any advise is appreciated.

Mind is also a wagon in Canada.

My problem is similar but different, in a cold day when you shift to 'D', it will not engage ANY gear. Contact Volvo dealer with NO help, but a call to my friendly mechanic in the car with the cellphone. He says it happens, just shift it to 'N' wait for few mintues, till the pressure (? oil pressure, not sure) inside build/balance, so that it can pus/pull the gear in place. After a few mins. of naxiuos waiting, I drove home safely. It never happen again. Knock on wood.

Peter

Keith,

You havn't mentioned any fault codes and the corresponding "flashing arrow" which usually occurs. There is a cold weather phenomenon where by the "gear postition sensor" fails and seems to be find in warmer weather. The sensor tells the ECM what gear you are in. The bottom line is, many an 850 owner has had to replace the part. It is not too expensive (subjective!) and takes around 11/2 hrs labor by a Volvo tech. The good news is contrary to some, 850 transmissions are tough with little or no failer rate.

Yes, there is a flashing arrow from time to time, but it is not all the time. Another individual wrote to tell me they had the same issue on their wagon as well, and it diefunitely reaches cold here in Chicago! Looks like I will be replacing it soon as the wife is afraid to drive it now...thanks again for the info Tony!! This is a great board!

Yep, get that PNP (aka gear position sensor) replaced and you should be happily on your way. Had the same problem about a month and a half ago when it got really cold where I live as well. The transmission has been nothing but smooth ever since.