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I'm really starting to think I have a Volvo that is aging way before it's prime. Other than having problems with my alternator, rear main seal, ABS module, cooling fan, leaky sunroof, seat heaters, etc. Now my tranny seems to be popping out of second when I decelerate. (i.e downshift, let out cluch, decelerate and a few moments later the tranny pops into neutral). This is intermittent, so I'm hoping to milk this one along. But, I just had the tranny out about 4K miles ago to have the rear main replaced. I had the fluid changed because it was out and I know it is fresh and full. Has anyone else had this problem? Is it the linkage, or possible shot syncros?
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I recently changed my manual tranny fluid in an effort to correct an intermittent and relatively minor problem shifting from first to second. Synchronizing for that combo has always seemed a bit slow to me, with the result being an occasional engine stumble as the tranny finds its gear. It wasn't just my own perception -- other people have driven my car and felt the same thing. Even Road and Track mentioned this shift quality in a February 1999 comparison test: "Frankly, this is one sedan that works better with an automatic transmission; its 5-speed linkage was judged to have a clunky feel and hollow sound." Regarding the hollow sound, maybe I just have my stereo turned up too loud, but regarding that "clunky feel," I have to concur. So I went in search of a solution.
If you hadn't noticed, it's very difficult to find a specification for Volvo's own synthetic manual transmission fluid. They want you to use their own product. But I wanted to try to improve upon the shift quality that my car had with their product, so I tried using another lubricant. Thinking that all synthetic transmission fluids would be alike, I tried Valvoline's fully synthetic 75W90 gear oil. The resulting shift quality was actually a bit more notchy for all shift combinations, all the time. The gears would always synchronize, but it would take longer for the shifter to drop into place.
So I started asking around. I have a number of friends who race older sports cars, and the concensus across the board was to use Redline Oil's MTL (manual transmission lubricant). As per Redline's web site, MTL is rated as 70W80 weight. Redline has a few different manual transmission fluids, as well as various gear oils, and there's plenty of useful information on their web site. See http://www.redlineoil.com/products.htm. I even recall seeing a brief blurb about the stick-slip problem that you're having.
After changing the fluid yet again, I have to say that I haven't ever before felt any manual tranny in a Volvo that was this good. The shift lever is downright buttery. Synchro performance is better than original, and it's even spot-on in the near zero degree weather that we're having in New Jersey right now. It's too early to be positive, but it even seems that my original, intermittent 1-2 shift problem is gone. Halleluia!
With all of this recently in mind, I'm going to suggest that you try changing the fluid again. At about $8 per quart, it's cheaper and easier than any of the other repairs that have been discussed here. (BTW, these trannies take 2.1 liters, so order three quarts.) I bought mine online from Summit Racing at http://www.summitracing.com, and had it within two days of ordering. You can try shopping around for it, but it will be tough to find locally. Considering the results that I had once I found the right lubricant, I'll strongly advise that you use the same.
Let us know how it turns out.
--
James Rothe, '99 S70 T5M, http://www.monmouth.com/~rothe/carstuff.html#Volvo
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Why were you downshifting to second, and then decelerating?
Is it "because that's what I always do to slow the car down when I am coming to a stop?"
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No, that is not what I primarily do to slow my car down. That's what the brakes are for.
This primarily happens when I am pulling into my driveway. I am usually in third or fourth coming off the main road I live on. My driveway is fairly long, so of course, once I turn into it, I need to be in a lower gear as I don't think 45MPH is a prudent speed to be travelling down my driveway. Therfore, I usually am in second. When I decelerate, in second gear to make the turn into my driveway and parking space, this happens. Also, the last portion on my driveway goes down hill, therefore, I lay off the gas. Then, pop goes the tranny.
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The fact that you had your trany out introduces the possiblitity that the linkage is misadjusted. So, I'd check the linkage.
Do you double-clutch downshift?
How fast do you estimate you are going when you downshift into second? Are you downshifting into second at 45 mph?
Sorry to be so pointed in my questions, but the manual transmission is a VERY mature technology and very, very, very rarely fails, unless it is abused.
Also, you say that you "know" that the fluid level is fine. Have you checked it yourself? Was the work done by a Volvo shop? The original, factory lubricant for this tranmission was a synthetic. Was it replaced with that same quality lubricant? This transmission takes, I believe, OVER two quarts of lubricant. Volvo supplies the replacement in one quart containers. Some might be tempted to buy just two quarts, spill some on the refill, and end up only partially filling the unit. In addition, I have been supplied, by the Volvo dealer, automatic transmission lubricant when I've spec'd the need for manual transmission lubricant. The parts department at my local Volvo dealer doesn't seem to understand that 850s came in anything but automatics. So one has to check, and double-check, all the time.
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posted by
someone claiming to be bill d cat
on
Fri Jan 17 00:18 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
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I've not heard of this in a recent Volvo, either ... SAABs are notorious for weak transmissions. My first SAAB would pop out of reverse and my second would pop out of 3rd gear; the "classic" cause of this is a worn synchro or damaged gearset (there's no synchro on reverse). I never bothered to rebuild the trannies, in part because the repair would have cost more than the cars were worth.
Since the transmission was out of the car, you might want to try the linkage adjustment. Do you like a good clean life? Are you a lucky person?
How much time do you spend driving in second gear?
-bill d cat
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posted by
someone claiming to be bill d cat
on
Fri Jan 17 02:51 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
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I missed that the first time.
I don't usually downshift to slow my car, since brake pads and rotors are cheaper than transmissions and clutches. If I've slowed and then I need 2nd to accelerate, that's when I'll grab it.
My wife can shift OK but would downshift to slow down. It drove me bonkers. She doesn't drive my cars much, now. There's a general consensus that this is not a wise thing to do.
-bill d cat
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Bill, this is the correct way to drive a manual transmission.
Most americans do not know how to drive a manual transmission properly (if at all) and end up destroying their transmissions and clutches while they mindlessly downshift through the gears coming to a stop.
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posted by
someone claiming to be Gary
on
Thu Jan 16 23:41 CST 2003 [ RELATED]
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I've never seen it with a newer Volvo but the cause of that is usually a worn synchro hub sleeve or shift fork (both inside the trans). That means "trans overhaul" or replacement. It's usually caused by driving while holding onto the shifter (a bad practice) as the added pressure while doing that causes pre-mature wear on those parts. I've seen it often with mid-early 80s japanese car trannies but not in many years.
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