I have a 1983 244 Turbo with the m46 transmission. I find that on highway speeds the overdrive is sometimes slow to enguage. I havent had the car very long, and I'm hoping my problem is in just replacing the gear oil with redline. Is this a common problem, or am I looking at a new overdrive unit? Thanks for any information and happy bricking.
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1988 244 DL + Virgos, and Power Windows, 1983 244 Turbo +Intercooler

You can try Redline MTL, worked well in my old M-46 and really helped the M-41 im my ES. If the OD is slipping it's the probably the seals, redline helps a bit, or at least it did in my '85 turbo. If it takes a while to engage after pushing the button then holds and drives well it may well be the OD solenoid. I had one that would hang up, $4 at the PNP for a couple of used ones and I was on the road good as new. Hope it's something similar and simple.
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Dave Shannon
Spring Valley, California
'67 1800s
'73 1800ES
'88-240
my pages

It's the seals, nothing else - see the FAQ.
I haven't done mine, but it does the same thing - I put AMSoil in, shifts okay, (don't know if it's better), but OD only kicks in good the first couple of times.
If you are looking for a specific solution to this, it's not changing the lubricant.

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Stef -- 1981 245 B21A SU M46 323000km my volvo pages

Hello,

Be sure to fill the M46 with ATF or similar. Using actual gear oil (80w90, for example) will certainly kill it. I assume that you knew that, but just wanted to make sure (as your post says "replacing the gear oil with redline"). Redline ATF, I hope?

Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician

1988 760 Turbo w/273k miles, 1981 242 Turbo w/243k miles

do what Cliff says then refill with Redline MTL. It may do the trick for you, it worked well on my '86 OD.

Exact same problem, from what I hear it could be low on fluid or needing seals. I have yet to tackle mine beacuse I hardly drive on the freeway, but hopefully some fresh topped off fluid will do the trick.

Let me know what takes care of yours if you get it handled.
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Zack Silver 83' 242Ti (221k)

When you drain it to change the fluid, also clean the filters. When you drop the metal sump plate at the back (6 screws, I think) there is a course wire mesh. With the proper tool, or an easily made-up lever, you can unscrew the filter plug and there is then a very fine filter, which can be removed and cleaned. Check with the book as to which plug to remove.
It can be worth overfilling the box a bit, by tilting the car so that the level plug is raised.
The type of oil can have a big effect - see lots of previous threads on this subject.