Someone in Malaysia has struggled with this problem for more than a year. Eventually solved by adding a bottle of lubgard (friction modifier a black bottle). It has some weeks now and the problem of gear shift when the engine is cold has disappeared completely. Wonder you would like to try. If it works kindly post and let all volvo owners be aware.

It could be the transmission, or it could be the detent cable...just really stuck until everything starts flowing and lubricating. My transmission lasted 500K before I replaced it. It was a little sad on the upshift, but then it started leaking with great proficiency, and I figured taking it out to reseal it would destroy the magic. I'm WAY confused about your statement on your transmission not being an AW71, unless yours came from somewhere unknown to me, that is all that your car came equipped with. Look at your gear shift...isn't there a little rectangle recessed button facing you?

Dear Rafidi,

May this find you well. When was the last time you had the trans fluid flushed (i.e., completely replaced, rather than partially replaced by draining the fluid in the pan)?

It could be that a flush, and replacement with a synthetic fluid, will remove whatever is "gumming-up" the works.

If it has been a long time - say 100K miles 160K Km - since the last flush, you might want to inspect - and if necessary - change the filter, get the trans flushed and put in some synthetic fluid, and then re-inspect the filter after a short interval.

If the use of partial synthetic fluid cleans out whatever is gumming up the works, the filter may need to be changed again, as debris may have accumulated there, as a result of the cleansing action of the synthetic fluid.

At that point, re-flush and re-fill with synthetic fluid, and you should be good to go for another 100K miles/160K Km.

This will certainly be less costly than a complete re-build. The first flush and re-fill with synthetic fluid could restore your tranny to tip-top shape, obviating the need for a re-flush and re-fill with 100% synthetic.

Hope your're soon rolling smoothly.

Yours faithfully,

spook