Volvo RWD 900 Forum

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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

Every once in a while my Auto transmission will give out a horrible squeal or high pitched noise when I try to put it in gear. It occurs when I try and take the car out of park and into any gear. It sounds and feels like you are trying to put it in the wrong gear or the car isn't ready to engage the transmission yet (Imagine a manual transmission sound of grinding but a little higher pitched). It sounds really bad when it occurs (not that often).

The only way to fix it when it occurs is to turn the car off and put the car back in park. Then crank it up and it is usually back to normal.

Any suggestions?








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

The key item mentioned is once in a while you would get a squeal. Engine off it stops and the next restart it may be quiet. But, “It occurs when I try and take the car out of park and into any gear.” This mostly rules out the following scenario since it does not make a noise when the car is first started. I had a rear seal cover screw come out while driving at 70MPH. After being tossed around in the bell housing by the torque converter for about 10 seconds it shot out of the inspection plate like a bullet . There was some minor rattling for a short period but not a squeal.

There are small gaps between the engine and the bell housing and seen a few posts of small stones getting into the bell housing and rattling around. Something else may have gotten in there. In your case, if you think this is the problem you can remove the inspection plate and take a good look, ENGINE OFF. Maybe something will drop out. You can also start the car with the cover off, but stay clear in case something flies out. There is a plastic drain, maybe two, in the bottom of the inspection plate that may have been pushed in. At least use a hose as a stethoscope placed on the top of the bell housing in the engine compartment to see if it is the source.

Tom








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

Belts?
I know, I know, it only happens when slipping it into gear but I seen stranger things?
--
David Hunter








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

940?
960?
transmission?
mileage?
fluid level o.k.?

DEWFPO
--
1998 S90 083,228 and 1995 964 154,100








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

Sorry I didn't put that in earlier.

940T (91 model)

Auto

233k

Fluid level reads 1/4 above the full mark when warm and exactly correct when cold?

I don't know exactly the last time the fluid was changed (I haven't owned it long) but the previous owners had ALL the service records stamped in the Volvo book until the mileage ran out (160k in the book I think). The fluid has a very light brown tint to it and it is very clear.

Thanks








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

Dear NC40,

May this find You well. If the fluid has a "light brown tint" it is dirty and needs to be flushed. Flushing removes all of the old fluid. ATF should be a clear, rosy red.

Use a good quality ATF. See the FAQs for the procedure. After you've gone 1,000 miles - if the tranny works smoothly - re-flush with Mobil1 Synthetic ATF. You'll have many happy miles.

Hope this helps.

Yours faithfully,

Spook








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

It has to be something transmission related. There is no doubt when you hear the noise. Imagine trying to put a manual transmission car in reverse while going forward. It is very similar to that sound. The one that immediately makes you think...That doesn't go there.

I will change the fluid soon as well. I puchased a hose kit from Ipd but I just hadn't got around to it. Plus $12 a quart (x12)for Mobil hasn't got me in a hurry as well. However, after owning the car for 6 months and driving it less than a week total.....I am starting to get less patient. I bought it for $500 and I have quickly gone through another $700 (mainly suspension) for just parts I have installed myself. I not giving up though, I have always wanted to re-do a 940. Really love these cars for some strange reason but my wife is starting to see my original cost estimates are a little off. The car is just too darn comfortable to sit!

Thanks for all the advice! I plan on spending some time on it Saturday.








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You can always flush with something cheaper 900

If you're trying to get the car up and running without incurring your wife's wrath, just flush it with generic fluid. The flush is what will yield immediate results. Once she cools down and the Volvo's running like a charm you can replace the generic with Mobil 1. Ask me how I know.........








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You can always flush with something cheaper 900

Philc,

You make an excellent point. I love the 940T but I have to remember that it was purchased as a project with no timeline. My wife is cool with the car but not with dumping buckets of money into it (which I really already have).

I have to get the intake manifold gaskets fixed first but I will tackle the fluid next.

I will take your advice on the fluid change out.

Thanks








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Transmission Squeal/high pitched noise 900

I never really thought about it but my Park/reverse lockout button (I think this is right....square button on top of the shifter) has always been stuck down. So basically when I put car in gear, I never have to push the brake or any buttons. It just goes right into gear.

Don't know if this would effect anything







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