1992 Volvo 240 GL = shift problems

Does the transmission shift up when this happens? Is the engine real loud when this occurs? Possible the transmission is not shifting up. Could also be a failing Crankshaft position sensor which causes timing to retard. I would also check fuel pressure when this is happening

Either the O/D solenoid or relay has gone bad. However if the light operates you may have to much wear in the main housing in the rear of the transmission causing the pressure to be low in the case a transmission replacement is in order.

shifter parts.
did you look at volvo dot com, the maker
and then click parts department.
then see the nice drawings?
which engine,?
the AW71 tranny??????????
you can look for any part on car here.

http://www.volvooemparts.com/a/Volvo_1991_240/__5705625/Shift-control-AW7071--1991-1992-AW70--1991-1992/GR-54853.html

The following are the general instructions on the start of diagnosing any electronically controlled engine or transmission problem.

The engine and the automatic transmission (transmission control is only for automatics, engine is still computer controlled no matter the transmission type) in this vehicle are computer controlled and in most cases when a fault occurs a fault code is stored in the memory of the computer control module. There are exception to this, such as the Mass Airflow Meter and fuel pressure problems. What must be done is to have all the basic testing done such as a scan of the system for fault codes as well as a check with a live data scanner tool for engine functions that are not within range of normal, a trained technician is required to know what is correct and what isn't, then based on careful diagnostics done from a factory repair manual the correct part is replaced or the wiring repaired or the computer replaced (known as the PCM), which is very rarely the problem. Other basic checks must be done as well such as mechanical problems with the engine as well as engine state of tune and mileage on the engine. The transmission can have mechanical issues as well such as no gear engagement at all or a failed pump or other pressure related problems. Also engine mechanical problems ca cause many drive-ability related problem such as rough idle and other symptoms

There is a fault with the automatic transmission and hence the lever gets struck with the park because when the car is started the idling governors are holding on the gear notch not allowingit to be shifted.
So if your can continue to park in neutral witth emegency brakes as in the case of manual transmission it is alright.
However whether to replace the odometer depends on your preliminary examination of the unit. Remove and check out if there is any visible damage beffore deciding to replace.However you will need help from Volvo service for the part and so while they remove it can be checked for minor repair before replacing.

The automatic transmissions on these vehicles are known to die early in the life of the car and Volvo is well aware that the vehicle has a dud auto transmission. The symptoms you have mentioned are an indication that the transmission has had it. It's basically just running in limp mode now.

You don't say what mileage this vehicle has clocked up but even low mileage vehicles have had to have the entire transmission replaced due to failures like yours. You also, no doubt, have a transmission alert showing on the dash.

The bad news is that a replacement automatic transmission will now be necessary and this will be costly. Even then, with these cars, you could experience another transmission failure after just another 30000 miles or so of driving.

Sean

Check the transmission filter, may be clogged up, do not change the oil, keep the same oil when replacing filter, trust me to avoid transmission repair.

IPDusa.com.  If its similar to a 240 (and it most likely is) you can purchase a block off plate for the solenoid so you won't lose 4th gear (actually its OD from torque converter lockup).
http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-940960/Transmission-&-Drive-Train/Automatic-Transmission/Automatic-Over-Drive-Solenoid-Bypass-Kit/p-136-278-676-1031/

Check your fuses,then replace the overdrive relay,if not this,they sale an bypass plate from IPB,for about 40 bucks,very easy to install.

You have an overdrive relay issue. The tansmission is really a four-speed box, but the OD selector either locks our fourth gear or allows the car to shift normally into fourth. I use the OD on my volvo all the time, because the revs drop in half when the OD is activated, The relay is located behind the glove box, toward the center console. $10 buck on Ebay and your transmission should shift correctly again. I would try that BEFORE more expensive fixes, like OD solenoid $200 or transmission control module. Just for kicks a picked up a spare ECU on Ebay for $10 because these get costly if and when they go. Easy fix, though, a couple of plugs.