All five of our road-worthy 244s ('88, '89, two '91s, '92) have AW70 automatic transmissions. Unfortunately, three of the five (the 88, '89, and the '92, which happens to have a tranny from a '91) have the dreaded hard first to second upshift. I've tried all the simple, cheap fixes, (tranny fluid flush and kickdown cable adjustment) without solving the problem. I'm pretty sure I need to service the valve body.

I read Brad Wightman's excellent write-up on the process. I believe I could pull the job off, but I am looking for a little encouragement from my fellow brickboarders.

- Has anybody done the job and successfully fixed their hard shift problem?
- Conversely, has anybody performed the service without fixing the problem?
- Is Brad's advice to absolutely get a copy of the Volvo manual a must? Has anybody done the job without the manual?
- I'm inclined to just replace the lower valve body check ball responsible for the 1-2 shift. Brad recommends going all the way and tearing down and cleaning the entire assembly. Does anybody have any though on the need to do this?

Sorry about the serial questions, but I'd be grateful for any input.

Glen
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Six bricks, yep, six!