The auto gearbox on my 1994 Volvo 850 20v GLT gets lazy when it's been 
standing for a few days; it doesn't want to shift up when I drive away, 
though when I temporarily move the gear lever to the "3" position the 
box shifts up as normal, and when I then change back to the normal Drive 
position, the problem stays gone, regardless of how briefly it was in 
"3" for.  If I don't do anything and just keep driving, eventually, the 
box does begin to work normally.

I have checked the oil level carefully as per my Haynes service manual 
instructions. Is it worth changing the oiil (although the manual says I 
shouldn't need to unless it is particularly burnt)? As putting it in "3" 
solves the problem, isn't this more likely to be some kind of 
electronics issue?

Many thanks for any advice.

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In article <dei7fl$jf1$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com>,
 "Tim.."  wrote:


> Right, definately the gear position sensor on the box I would say. Your
> dealer should know all about it.
> 
> A good flush and refill will help too, find a local garage who is
> experienced in flushing an auto box to do it, and supply them with 25litres
> or so of Dexron III from an independant oil merchant (eg Partco). Its about
> 1.30UKP / litre
> 
> FYI, on the 850 / 70 series you disconnect the return line at the oil cooler
> on the side of the radiator, conjure some method to direct the flow into a
> large bucket, have an assistant sat in the car to start and stop the engine,
> then with the engine running, pour in new fluid at roughly the same speed as
> that which is flowing out.
> 
> Stop pouring twice and let the box pump out the old oil then switch off, and
> refill with afew litres, and then pump that out.
> 
> Keep going until the fluid coming out is as cherry red as that going in.
> 
> Refill upto the low mark, then start engine, go for a ~5mile drive, then top
> up to the mark with the box hot.
> 
> Repeat every 20-25k or so. If you regularly tow, more often.
> 
> Tim..


Thanks to everyone for the tips and shared experiences.

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In article <dei7fl$jf1$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com>,
 "Tim.."  wrote:


> supply them with 25litres
> or so of Dexron III


My Haynes manual suggests Dexron IIe. Type II fluid seems to be a lot 
cheaper. What's the difference and is type II ok to use as well?

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"Jaap"  wrote in message
news:jb260670zebra-1F5721.08284426082005@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...

> In article <dei7fl$jf1$1@nwrdmz02.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com>,
>  "Tim.."  wrote:
>
> > supply them with 25litres
> > or so of Dexron III
>
> My Haynes manual suggests Dexron IIe. Type II fluid seems to be a lot
> cheaper. What's the difference and is type II ok to use as well?


Type III hadnt been invented when the book was published probably! II or IIe
will be ok if you change it regularly.

The original Volvo facotry fill is a type III grade FYI.

Tim..