740 GL 1989 just reached 300,000 miles. Originally had a 5 speed manual transmission and had to replace it at low mileage years ago when it was making a high pitched whine. Might have gotten ripped off then, but 2 nd transmission lasted until about 5 yrs ago, when it wasn’t going into 1st and then 2nd gears. Due to its age, there were no 5 speed 89 transmissions anywhere to be found, so dealer installed a 88 four speed with electric overdrive. Working well until recently when the shifter feels like it isn’t really connecting to the transmission. Once I can physically feel a connection ( sort of feels like something may be loose or sloppy with the link?) it goes into the chosen gear. Not always the same gear that is problematic.
Just before this was noticeable, there was a week of very cold temps and there may have been a temporary leak perhaps of transmission fluid. I am not sure, because because i noticed it below the car on the snow, but a mechanic didn’t see any leaks when I asked about it. But there was quite a big blob of something but perhaps it was from a previously parked vehicle in that spot. It was a cold dark day so I really couldn’t tell.
Last week, I decided to try to drive it as it was a fairly warm day in the 20’s F. Turned back towards home after a few miles when I couldn’t find 4th gear spot. I have an appt with a mechanic tomorrow but there really isn’t a Volvo person working in Interior Alaska. I have explained to him that this is an 89 with an 88 transmission.
What are the possibilities for the symptoms? No unusual noises and works okay if I can find the selected gear.