Hello Gentlemen. I'm hoping someone out there can provide me with assistance in solving this most annoying problem. The car is my 1994 940 sedan N/A fitted with the AW71L transmission and here's a short synopsis. A couple of weeks ago I had returned from work with no issues. I had just purchased the car several months earlier from the original owner, mileage was 97k at the time. After accumulating an additional 10k in rather short order, I've been VERY pleased with the purchase. The next day, without any warning whatsoever the transmission simply refused to engage overdrive. Having no choice and worried about getting to my employ on time, I continued on. Interestingly, approximately 22 miles into my drive while on the freeway at approx 70mph with the motor buzzing along at 4000 rpm the overdrive engaged and stayed engaged for the remainder of the trip through numerous 1st through OD cycles common during stop and go accordian type traffic - It mysteriously continued to functioned as normal for the remainder of my trip. This became routine. No OD until it would get "warmed" (?) up, then the OD would return.

Not having the time and being limited on funds, as well as searching the various volvo forums including this one, I opted to do a complete ATF fluid flush, closely following directions, via the trans cooler/radiator lines. In addition, I decided I'd pull the trans pan and change the filter while also checking the kickdown cable for proper adjustment - finding nothing unusual and noting the kickdown cable was adjusted properly, I refilled the transmission with fresh ATF. NOW, the trans will NOT shift into OD at all! Aha! I thought. A faulty OD relay or switch or SOMETHING electrical MUST be the cause, though I still couldn't correlate the ATF fluid flush/filter change with losing the OD function completely regardless of miles traveled or temp.
Again, with funds being limited, I ordered and installed the "OD block-off plate" from IPD figuring it would nip my problem in the bud.

Much to my chagrin, it didn't help one bit! The OD STILL doesn't engage and hasn't since I'd performed the oil/filter change. I'm at my wits end gentlemen! The trans shifts flawlessly in every conceivable situation, it just wont engage OD. I'm thinking along the lines of one of the orifices and/or "check balls" in the valve body as being the offender, but I'm just speculating. I'm hoping and praying someone out there can help. Hopefully, I can just remove the valve body for servicing without resorting to removal of the entire transmission?..I simply cannot articulate just how much any pertinent, helpful information is appreciated in addressing and hopefully remedying this MOST aggravating boggle! -- With kindest regards. Boris