940 / 960

1990-1998 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 940 / 960 problems All workshop issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

AW30-43 automatic transmission issues (960)

Symptoms

Similar to the AW71, harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or limp mode. Some report juddering on take-off or when downshifting.

Cause

Same as the AW71 but the AW30-43 is more electronically controlled. Solenoids fail, especially solenoid B. The PNP (park/neutral position) switch is a common fault, causing intermittent starting issues or wrong gear indication.

Fix

As with the AW71, service the fluid religiously.

The solenoids can sometimes be cleaned, but replacement is more reliable.

The PNP switch is accessible externally, clean it first, replace if that doesn't work.

Gearbox ECU faults are rare but possible, diagnostic trouble codes help here.

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo 940 / 960? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More 940 / 960 problems

Other known issues

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

AW71 automatic transmission issues (940)

Harsh shifts, slipping, delayed engagement, or the transmission won't shift out of first gear. The overdrive may not engage. Flashing arrow on the dashboard indicates a fault.

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Manual gearbox and clutch issues

Difficulty selecting gears, grinding, or clutch slip. Clutch pedal feels heavy or doesn't return properly.

Common Transmission and Drivetrain

Propshaft and differential issues

Clunking when changing direction (forward/reverse), vibration at speed, or whining from the rear.

Critical Engine

Oil leaks everywhere

You'll find oil pooling under the car, dripping from the valve cover, front and rear main seals, cam seals, or oil cooler lines. The B230 engines (940) and B6304 (960) both weep oil as they age, it's not if, it's when.

Common Engine

Flame trap and PCV system clogged

Engine bogs down, idles rough, struggles to rev, or won't start when hot. You might get excessive crankcase pressure, blowing out seals and pushing oil into the intake.

Critical Engine

Rough idle, hesitation, or won't start (fuel system issues)

Stumbling acceleration, poor fuel economy, hard starting, or stalling. Sometimes it runs fine cold but misfires when warm. Check engine light may be on or flashing.

View all 24 940 / 960 problems