Problem. During a recent trip Transmission stuck in third gear for 100+ miles at 70-75MPH Ambient temps of 1-10 degrees farenheit and a 40mph headwind. Once I realized the problem (yeah I zoned out..new car to me) I shifted back into 3rd and forward into 'D' and the tranny shifted correctly

Now If I need passing power and it downshifts It will occasionally stay in 3rd gear. I can lead it out again by shifting into 3rd and back into 'D'

I'm doing what I can mechanically (changing the tranny fluid) I'm considering a flush but I may do the 2 quarts every oil change route.

I'm hoping that it is electrical.Ocassionally I get a no-start because the gearshift position sensor doesn't think it's in park.

Has anyone else heard seen or had this? I don't want to spend $2500 for the tranny...

Now the rant:

When the kind hearted well intentioned BB members tell you not to buy a 960 because it is a handful...BELIEVE THEM!....This little glitch comes on top of Catalytic conveter replacement, the expensive Rear Main Seal and in case you thought I'd escape....the plastic radiator is cracked and leaking.

I am just thankful that my fathers '92 965 has been problem free.

EOR

Calm down. The trans is an adaptive transmission. It has a logic box to control it and it 'learns' your driving pattern. My wife drives our 965 and adapts to her driving. When I get it it must get very confused. I have to manually downshift the trans for passing power.

Make sure you follow the timing belt maintenance schedule. Change the trans fluid as well periodically. Use the replacement method, not the drain method since there is still alot of oil in the torque converter. They are great cars.

Thanks, he needed that!

Well, our 960's are running just fine, right. So far no backfires causing rough running, or bad driveshaft CV joints or exhaust pipes which need to be replaced. Power, luxury, speed, saftey, what more could a Volvo lover want?

My only concern with a tranny with a logic board, of course, is what happens if you drive illogically, nay, let's say irrationally???

Glad to hear your 960 beasts are behaving themselves. I'm about to shoe mine with some Nokian Hakk's for the winter..easy big fella.

I'm sure it would become thoroughly confused and it would shift(I almost spelled that one incorrectly) between gears alot in anticipation of your next move. Since you drive irrationally, that next move might or might not come and it would then reset itself to only drive in first. This would be in response to a secret section of code added per Gov't regulations in order to protect you from yourself. Since you would want to drive 60mph, the engine would blow up. At that point, you would install a Ford 5.0 and C6, which doesn't have all that junk, and which point you could continue to drive irrationally. Make sense?

Perfectly logical...

You did not mention your car model and mileage, but,you probably did not hurt your transmission. I am not sure what you mean when you say you were in 3rd and shifted back to 3rd. But I am guessing you are refering to being in overdrive (4th). So if the problem is the transmission is not upshifting to overdrive (4th), it is probably a problem with your overdrive relay. Check the FAQ for 700/900 for more info on how to repair.

Also, the items in your rant can also happen to 4 cyl cars. They are normal repair/maintenance items for all high mileage older Volvos.

I have had a single problem with the auto tranny on my 92 965. A sensor, as I recall. The trannys are replete with lots of electronics and those can and will go wacky. I also don't think you did anything to the transmission. I towed a trailer in third gear for about 600 miles recently. Worked like a charm.