88 240, no overdrive, not solenoid

A couple of weeks ago I posted a question about my 88 240 wagon (AW
transmission) and its gradual loss of overdrive over about a 10 day period.
I removed the solenoid and resoldered the wire which clearly was broken but
I could not be certain whether my removal and inspection broke the wire (the
rubberized end cap was badly deteriorated exposing the wire). After
soldering I sealed the end with epoxy and tested the unit with a 12 volt
bench power supply. After applying power I was able to take a little
squeegee bottle and blow air through one opening and out the other, which I
couldn't do when power was off. I also verified that the relay was working
by checking that voltage went up and down with gear lever switch presses.
Finally after reinstalling the solenoid and testing while parked, I could
hear clicking from both the relay and the solenoid.

However I still do not have 4th gear. The transmission is working very
smoothly as a 3 speed. My question is whether there is anything else simple
and inexpensive that I can do in hope of recovering 4th gear. This is a
high mileage vehicle that I bought for $1000 only several months ago so it's
not a car that I'm willing to invest a lot of money in. Thanks.

RC

 

squeegee bottle and blow air through one opening and out the other, which I
couldn't do when power was off. " Eh? It's your switch on the gear shift
if the relay is working

 

I stated that operating the gear shift switch causes 12V to be switched on
and off. Also operating the switch results in audible clicks from both the
relay and solenoid. Not mentioned was that the dashboard arrow goes on and
off. So what is it about the switch that still could not be working?

 

If the solenoid valve is working then I would assume there is no
hydraulic circuit. There could be an air bubble in the solenoid or it isn't
receiving oil from the transmission. It may eventually pump the air out, if
that is the problem.

 

He must have missed that part, if the solenoid is getting 12v, clicking, and
allowing air to pass through, then the problem is something internal to the
transmission. Sorry I can't be more specific than that, my solution to any
problem like this has been to yank the automatic and install a manual
gearbox in it's place.

 

I'm afarid I have to ask you then if you would part with it (I need
parts) Yeah, like who doesn't, right? Anway if can't get resolution to
your problem, where is she now? Will you consider parting out? In whole?

Dan

 

It'd be a shame to part out an otherwise good 240 just because of a
transmission problem, the transmissions are not hard to come by.

 

James I agree, but in case someone really wants to give one up to
another who may have a genuine (Burning) need to fix up a 240, I thought
I had to ask as I'm sure someday I may get lucky? Parts (good clean
ones) don't come by to often where I am. I know a guy who probably still
has a 5 speed out of 1988 240 in Aurora Ontario Canada. A Volvo repair
shop called Suters, so when participating in posts where this could
solve someones issue try and remember to refer to that fact. And no I
have nothing to gain, and probably should pick it up for myself, but no
more room exists in my storage.

Dan.

I really am hoping for good and clean body parts, responded to a guy who
posted here several weeks ago that a Volvo hard he operates jointly out
of Ithaca NY had many a part available. This guy has a habit of not
returning emails and I began to get suspicious, as he really only wanted
to fedex a pallet of blue rear hatch, blue right hand rear door, and
rear bumper parts, where as I really wanted to fetch them myself in
person. Thats when communication dropped off?

 

I had the same problem on my 740 with AW71. I also tried to repair the
solenoid, worked for a day. Ended up taking it off, and removing the
plunger which has to be held up by the coil to allow the 4th/overdrive
to occur. I then sealed it off with epoxy/silicone and put it back on.
On the downside, I had no option to downshift, other than a leaded
right foot.

Worked for 3 years, until Hurricane Frances dropped a tree on her.
Sigh

Cheers
Dave