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850 Auto Transmission- Unnecessary Replacements due to Misdiagnosis ? 850

posted by someone claiming to be Nate on Tue Dec 24 19:01 CST 2002 [RELATED]

My Volvo indy mechanic pointed out a a problem with the 850's auto transmission that often goes mis-diagnosed resulting in an unnecessary costly replacement of the transmission.

Apparently inside the auto transmission are 2 "speed sensors". It's about a $1,000 job to fix (mainly the labor involved in pulling the transmission). Not cheap to fix, but much less than a new or rebuilt transmission.

This is of course different from the PNP switch which can be replaced without pulling the transmission.

He mentioned that a customer recently had her transmission overhauled for $2,500 only to have the problem resurface. Lo and behold it was the speed sensors.

Apparently , this problem is not widely known by even volvo specialists.

This was the first that I'd heard on this - Anyone have any input on this ?

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850 Auto Transmission- Unnecessary Replacements due to Misdiagnosis ? 850

posted by someone claiming to be Ed on Wed Dec 25 03:25 CST 2002 [RELATED]

I doubt that, assuming that the "tech" diagnosed the initial problem correctly that is. Sure, an inexperienced tech can always misdiagnose problems, not unusual.
The older 850 trans ('94 ish) only has ONE output speed sensor and when it fails, a code is set. That sensor can be repaced w/o removing the trans. Inside the valve body also exists soleniods but again, if and when they fail they can be properly diagnosed and replaced w/o removing the trans.
Now....for $1600 (plus labor), one can buy a OEM Volvo reman trans (not rebuilt by a local trans guy) w6ich also includes a 1 yr, unlimited mileage parts warranty so IF that one wasn't properly rebuilt (like apparently the $2500 one wasn't), it's covered. I have yet to see a Volvo reman trans fail.

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850 Auto Transmission- Unnecessary Replacements due to Misdiagnosis ? 850

posted by STEVEF on Tue Dec 24 20:57 CST 2002
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I dont know Nate.....it sounds a bit fishy. Only because of this "He mentioned that a customer recently had her transmission overhauled for $2,500 only to have the problem resurface. Lo and behold it was the speed sensors."
For $2500 she could have got a totally rebuilt trans installed. Volvo dealers.....and the indy shops around(NYC) here NEVER *rebuild* any of these AT's.

But who knows...he could be spot on.....I just dont think so.
--
Steve F. in Hoboken, NJ

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850 Auto Transmission- Unnecessary Replacements due to Misdiagnosis ? 850

posted by someone claiming to be Nate on Wed Dec 25 10:49 CST 2002 [RELATED]

Perhaps my Indy was telling me a fish story - I certainly had never read about it occurring here or on Volvospeed.com.

That's why it put it out here - to get feed back and some confirmation one way or another,

Thanks

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850 Auto Transmission- Unnecessary Replacements due to Misdiagnosis ? 850

posted by STEVEF on Wed Dec 25 12:15 CST 2002
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You know.....you indi could have gotten this info second hand.....who knows, but I dont think it would be fair to condem him without a bit more investigation.....on the other hand he could have been just trying to sell you "a bill of goods"????
--
Steve F. in Hoboken, NJ

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