Thanks for the tips. It sounds as if the most likely target is a sticking KD cable, so that gets checked for smooth operation and solid return action. Hopefully, that's it, and I'll just get a lot of oil on everything while I fix it. I had previously just checked that cable was still tight at throttle body, not the actual operation. I'll be back in a couple of days with an update.
--
Mike Sullivan ('91 745 (171k), '93 965 (147k), '95 855T (60k), '98 V70XC (78k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k).

Mike - Make sure your kickdown cable (what you called the transmision cable) is not only tight, but freely sliding as well. Hold the throttle spool, pull the KD cable out from its sheath, and release it. It should snap amartly back into place.

Your symptons are somewhat similar to the ones I experienced in an '88 244GL with a bad KD cable. Fortunately, it's an easy fix (on 240s, at least).

Good luck.
--
'88 244GL, '89 244GL, '90 244DL, '91 244, '92 244

I had a car with a similar problem shifting from 1-2. The kickdown cable was not my problem either. I ended up installing a used transmission from a junkyard ($200). Problem solved. For fun I disassembled the old transmission. Inside the valve body, I found a broken spring. I'm guessing that was the problem.

If you can rule out the kick-down cable, fluid level, and shifter linkage (i.e. make sure it is really in 'D', not halfway between 'D' and 'N') as potential problems, then the only thing left that could possibly have an effect on shifting is the valve body. It can be rebuilt, but if it were my car I would just install a used unit.

--
Matt L. -- Cary, NC -- '91 740 wagon

Try reading some of the FAQ's on this site about the "kick down cable". This cable can adjust to help the shifting either earlier or later depending on what's the problem.
'89 745GL 170K, '90 244DL 96K