Volvo 850 (1992 - 1996) - 1993 2.5 GLT - Auto Box Problems

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Tue 18 Mar 2008 17:15
1993 2.5 GLT - Auto Box Problems - Burst Knuckle
I bought this lovely car nearly a year ago and it has now done only 56,000 miles. Since I got it, it has always been sluggish to move off from rest - it seems to be starting off in 2nd gear. If you 'wellie' it it kicks down but gives no more acceleration! If you select 'Low' it really struggles to move. On a recent trip to the Lake District it almost embarrassed me on a very steep incline - it flew up all the hills as long as it didn't have to drop into 'low', then full revs gave me about 1 mph - it felt as if the handbrake was full on. I don't think it's torque converter problems, because the rest of the 'box' seems fine - although I admit to not knowing too much about the mysteries of the auto gearbox. Has anybody any ideas?

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 18/03/2008 at 18:59

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Mar 2008 18:50
Auto Box Problems 1993 2.5 GLT - Phil I
Go here:-

tinyurl.com/2t8aeg

and take the car to your nearest member for advice and possibilities.

Do not ask your dealer as they will only suggest new box/converter et.et. at megabucks costs.

Hth Phil I

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Mar 2008 20:39
Auto Box Problems 1993 2.5 GLT - Number_Cruncher
>>I don't think it's torque converter problems, because the rest of the 'box' seems fine

That logic doesn't quite work. One of the possibilities is actually the torque convertor - or more specifically the stator one way clutch within the torque convertor.

As said above, take the car to an automatic gearbox specialist - they'll get further and faster into the fault much more cheaply than the dealer.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 18 Mar 2008 22:27
Auto Box Problems 1993 2.5 GLT - Burst Knuckle
Many thanks to you both. I've looked at the FATE website, Phil, and my nearest is in Edinburgh (about 50 miles) I'll give them a bell and arrange a visit. Funnily enough, I let my local Volvo 'specialist' have a look and he followed your script almost exactly - with a couple of 'f' words added for effect.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 19 Mar 2008 08:24
Auto Box Problems 1993 2.5 GLT - Phil I
Will be of interest to know outcome of your visit to Edinburgh.

Will cross fingers et et for you.

Happy Motoring Phil I
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?