Our 244GL with 206K on it has developed a problem which i have not encountered on a Volvo. It tends to pop out of2nd and 4th gears , especially when cold...as it has been in NE lately. The problem is worse in 2nd, fortunately it goes away as it warms up.

I'm worried this will get worse,ie even when warm.

Is this an adjustment or something wearing out?

OK, thanks everyone, I'll check the motor mounts..uh, what is the definative test, (please don't say if your car pops out of 1st&4th...)

I have changed the trans oil about 30k ago.

Jeff

Yes, my '80 244 with '82 transmission does the same thing on cold mornings like today. It did the same last winter, and was fine in the warmer weather, so I don't think it is the motor amd transmission mounts. It may be the fluid. I'm not worried about it enough to do anything - it is fine after the first 15 minutes of driving in the coldest weather.

Is this an M46 (stickshift)? I think that the problem can easily be cured by changing to a different tranny fluid. I've seen problems similar to yours posted on the BB in the past, and usually the recommendation is to switch to a synthetic ATF or gear oil. Synthetic 10w30 motor oil has been mentioned, and Paul S. has been known to speak highly of Amsoil, can't remember the weight, but it was something way up there, like gear oil weights. Obviously you'll have to ask him for more details. :-)

AMSOIL Series 2000 75W-90 was the suggested gear oil weight, but I think the first response covers the more likely cause of the problem. I don't see how tranny fluid could affect only two of the gears.

I agree. Probably does need a fluid change, but this is not related to popping out of selected gears. Also, for the other folks, gear oil weights are NOT the same as motor oil weights, I know it sounds weird but a 75W-90 gear is about the same as a 10W-40 motor oil. This becomes readily apparent when dealing with synthetics....and OF COURSE never try a non synthetic gear oil in a M46 (or a synthetic that is higher than 75W-90).

Make sure that there isn't a problem with motor or trans mounts. The "rear" gears are what are giving you trouble and both are subject to be bumped out of gear by trans moving around and shifter being moved by boot around shifter.

Agreed, We've seen this enough times on the BB.

Rene