My 96 855 has 108 on the clock. Transmission fluid looks like something you'd get from starbucks... dark. Not frothy, but v. much burnt/dark. Checking records (dealer service going back to 18,000) the fluid's never been changed. This isn't atypical for these vehicles given Volvo's horrid failure to address the transmission situation, but there it is.

So, the other day I'm stuck in traffic, trans in D, foot on brake good and firm. I feel a bump, then another. Then another. Suspecting the transmission right away, I shifted to N. No bumps. None in R. Press the Winter mode in and it also stops (3rd gear?). Only in D, and only at a stop.

Then I got going. Got on it in D and guess what? Yup. Hesitation. I didn't get the blinking-arrow-of-doom but I suspect I soon will. The lower gear position selections don't help either. It seems the hotter the trans is (which doesn't take long when your fluid is blown like mine) the worse it gets.

So, I called my local service guy. They do Volvo, Saab, BMW, Mercedes, VW etc. Anyhow - first thing I asked them is "How much to R-square the trans with a rebuilt?". $3000, out the door. Figures. I'm not really upset. I've seen tranny jobs go for FAR more. So, tonight I drop my baby off. Just in time to pick it up -after- (groan) Memorial day. Oh, well. It might not be the transmission. However, if they say it's something that requires de-mating the unit I'm just going to have them change it. Even if it's not the tranny I might have it replaced anyhow. My feelings from this and past experiences with this unit are that it's on borrowed time.