940 Automatic gearbox

I have just been given a 92 2L automatic saloon, when I say given it had broken down on a long journey, and the owner had no breakdown cover, the local Volvo dealers said he could need a new gearbox and there may not be much change from £1000! I have decided to recover it using my breakdown insurance. I will tell you the symptoms of the problem, and hopefully someone may be able to help me whether the gearbox can be repaired or a new or reconditioned one is required. The person concerned was driving on a duel carriageway at about 70 mph when all drive was lost to the wheels, this had never happened before although the car was normally used for local trips only. When I went to collect the vehicle it drove ok for about 2 miles and then lost all drive again. If you stopped the engine let it rest for a few minutes it would have limited drive to the wheels but stuck in a high gear, this time it would only drive a very shout distance before drive being lost. The gearbox oil was a little on the low side but topping it up made no difference. The oil was however brownish in appearance rather than the normal red, but it didn’t smell burnt, can anyone help me on the diagnostics? Thanks for all your help.

[Peter Milnes]

The cheapest alternative is to obtain one from a scrapyard. They usually give a limited warranty period, like, "if it doesn't work bring it back and we will give you another". Rebuilding the box can cost as much as £500 but is probably as cheap as fitting a reconned box. Of course the dealer will be glad to quote for a new box, he's not interested in a cheaper alternative.

All the best, Peter.

It sounds as if the lining from the bands has worn off. It is possible that lumps of it still adhere to parts of the bands, but fail as the g'box warms up. There could be debry in the drillings that lead to the high pressure areas abd stopping them working.

Part of the tourque converter may have distorted. Drive can still be possible while the oil is cold, but fail as soon as it gets warm

A change of oil colour for any reason is a bad sign. Drain the oil and see if there are any bits in with it and remove the pan to see for large bits. Either way it will probably need another g'box. You might be able to get a good one from a breaker. The best way to check that an aut box is OK before fitting is to test drive it. That entails finding a drivable car that has a good g'box, but the rest is #####, thereby making it a very cheep car to buy

[srtames]

I wonder if you have considered fitting a manual box as they are easier to obtain and cheaper?

Steve

[Peter Milnes]

Not when you have to consider if an overdrive unit is used and that if you discard the overdrive you need a different propshaft length and sundry other bugs which can arise if you do not do your homework before tackling such a job.

All the best, Peter.

Whilst ringing round a few auto box reconditioners for quotes on a reconditioned box or repair, one suggested I drain the oil take of the sump of the gearbox, then remove the filter and give it a clean, (mine was filthy). Replace the sump fill back up with oil then remove the return pipe from the oil cooler and let the engine run and keep topping up the oil until the oil coming out of the cooler is clean. This I have done and it has been successful so far the gearbox changes all through the gears ok. And drives fine thanks for all the help given to me.