The 93 850 is acting up again, same old stuff that went away after all of the switch cleaning and diagnostics. The OD light flashes and the tranny goes into limp home mode. As soon as I run the stage four diagnostic(auto check of the trans-axle circuits) the problem clears for a few days. The code is always the same, 122, which seems to indicate a solenoid failure internal to the transmission. A check of the resistance across each solenoid from the electrical connector does not indicate a problem. What does is that the PNP switch has been replaced, and there is red silicone at the case junction and cover of the trans-axle.

Does anyone (Klaus :>))know if the 1993 model year was any worse for transmission failures in the 850 or have I just got my hands on a lemon? I have a very clean 97 960 (140K miles) that I can pick up for the price of a used trans-axle, so this one may be sold for parts.

Regards,

First, all 93-95 trannies were fragile. Volvo changed the software for the 96-2000 trannies and made them less prone to failure. Fluid changes are needed at 50K intervals.

The 122 error is an open circuit, which is a failure of the solenoid to close. Probably caused by dirty fluid. I know you flushed it, but the dirt buildup will not get cleaned from the soleniod.

You could probably erase the code and drive it in 3 instead of D. I think that particular one is used for the torque converter lock, above 55mph. I wasn't wearing my bi focals.

The 1997 960 is a good car, but it is prone to overheating and gets lousy mpg. A 1997 850 is a different car than the 1993. And a light colored 1998 S/V70 is even better.

Look around, shopping is more fun than owning.

Klaus
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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

Hey Klaus,

Do you know anything about the issue with case on the 93's? It was explained to me sometime ago and I can't remember the specifics.

I do remember that it would have been difficult to install a non-93 tranny into my 93 because of its unique electronics.

It also seems to me that the failure rate of 93 trannies is higher than other years. At least I've heard/read about more 93's going south....:)

1993 was the first year for the 850 in the US. Most of them were automatics, the rest of the world uses manual trannies, so there was little feedback to the factory about the automatics in 1992.

It is the 'same' tranny used in the latter years. The software used to run the tranny was a little primative and no updates were issued. The driving habits of Americans is rough on trannies, lots of stop and goes as well as short trips, wheras the Europeans make fewer trips and usually get everything up to operating temps on their trips - they walk to grocery stores.

Newer 850 trannies can be installed into the 1993, but the wiring is different and require modification as well as a new TCU.

Flushing the ATF every 30K for the 1993 should cure any solenoid problems. The seal for the solenoid area should also be replaced. But, the 1993 is OLD, and given the number of unique suspension parts, it is to be avoided in the US.

Klaus
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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

I'm not going to show this post to the buyer, and, if he ends up on the brickboard, you guys don't know me! :)

Hey Klaus,

Thanks for the info on the 960. This one is very clean and low mileage, actually driven by a petite woman since new and garaged for its life. I know the mileage is not very good, but the owner told me that the one time it was on the highway, they got 22 mpg.

I sold the 850 a few minute ago for $800. That got me my parts out of it, and the buyer is aware of the issues with those cars. Win, Win!

I thought the 122 code was electrical. The solenoid taking a second too long to close would explain why I can clear the code and run the diagnostics without finding anything. I will pass the info on to the new owner.

I have already spotted a newer 850 that has a lot of grass under it sitting up in the country. It may be worth a look.

Regards,

I had the same 122 on my 95 850 and just spent $655 fixing it (replacing solenoid S1). Got the car back a couple days ago and have not driven it much. Hope the job will cure the transmission problem.

It's nice you got $800 back

Keep us posted. That 960 may be a little sludged up, but new fluids everywhere could help.

Watch out for mice when parked in fields for a few months.

Klaus
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Did you do your Random Act of Kindness today?

One of my favorite memories as a kid on the farm was the smell of mice that wintered in Dad's 1948 Ford dump truck. Sure brings back memories.

Thanks,

93's (only) are known for tranny problems.

You might try this a few times before giving up on it. A very knowledgable, honest Volvo guy told me to do this (I had a 93, now have a 95). Find a wide open road or a large, safe parking lot. Go as fast as you can in reverse and slam on the brakes - HARD! Repeat, repeat, repeat. You might need to this multiple times. Apparently, there is some sort of problem with the case unique to the 93's. Doing this somehow frees-up or realigns the tranny.

Don't ask me to explain, I have no idea how using this method works. Whatever you do try not to drive it when it is slipping. I made that mistake...

I appreciate the input. If this was the only year for trans problems, I will probably sell it for parts this week. I've put quite a bit of labor and parts in the car since I bought it a couple of years ago for $450.00. I like the rear wheel drives better anyway.

Thanks