NAVYBLUE, I had the same exact symptoms on my 93 850 GLT last summer and ended up replacing the transmission at a cost of $2000 dollars. I probably should have tried the PNP switch, but didn't. I had about 150,000 miles on the odometer at the time and figured - what the hell! I plan on keeping my car for several more years since it's been reliable and I know the car inside out. There isn't much I can't fix on this car. Once you learn about this car, you'll realize that they haven't changed much for several years. I think they are relatively simple to work on, and well built - safe, roomy, very stable, smooth, quiet, comfortable and practical. Overall, I give them a B+.

Tonyg is 100% correct it is your PNP switch go to www.volvospeed.com and learn how to replace the thing yourself...

with all the detail and picture..... part cost only $75 I just get mine 2 month ago...


if you take it to the dealer he will very happy to sell you a new transmission for $4000.... even know you don't need it....


and at $95 per hours they will happy to clean out your wallet.. now what choice do you have ????

You have all the support from this board ...

P.S you can replace the PNP switch about 4 hours max if you are the first time and know nothing ... it just seat right under the battery tray.. you can see the thing without remove the battary tray...

I will try this first before I spend $4000 on a new transmission unless your car is under warranty than hey why get a new tranmission...

Please keep us inform what the out come... good luck....

navyblue,
Transmission failures and the need for transmission replacement is very rare on 850s, I stand by this time and time again. However the PNP switch can create all kinds of havoc on the way your transmission behaves. The PNP switch is a electromechanical device that is attached to your gear leaver by a cable. This mechanical part that can fit in the palm of your hand, mimicks your gear selector as you move the shifter. In turn, a smaller "shifter" (connected by a cable) moves across a number of electrical contacts. Those same contacts then send a signal to the TCM, telling it what gear you want to be in. The TCM then sends signal to the ECM and transmission telling them what to do. The PNP get gummed up with grease, contacts get dirty and worn and the signal sent start getting all messed up. That's why when you put the gear selector in reverse, the TCM doesn't know you have selected reverse and gets all confused, hence the delay. Replace the PNP switch as thousands of other 850 owners have done, and you should be fine. Unless yours is one of the 1% transmission failures...