1991 Volvo 240 won't shift into 3rd til about 60 mph, 4th at 78 mph, shifts into 2nd at 30 mph. think it's the transmission cable loose, any help.

Check vacuum lines for leaks.

This is common to the AW70 transmission when the rear bushing has been left very worn for a period of time. The rear shaft wear heavily on the main transmission housing causing the pressure not to build enough to engage the overdrive gear.

Are you sure the trans is in 3rd. Pull the stick into low gear accelerate shift to 2nd about 20 mph shift to 3rd about 35 mph then 4th about 50 mph. This will let me know how to go further with your problem. If you do this proceedure write the results on this Great FixYa Page!

It most likely is a transmission issue, a internal issue inside the transmission.

sounds dumb but Have you checked the tranny fluid?

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.

Hi All

I have a s40 1.9d / 2000 plate,
In the last month or so the car loses revs when changing up to 3rd and 4th gear, I can only get 50 mph max in 3rd gear 80mp in 4th.
The car has just clocked 185,000 miles
Its a great car but a pai at the moment, I've had a service including fuel fillter change added fuel cleaners to the deilsel all to no avail


Any suggestions

Your overdrive relay is bad,but its just as easy to bypass this relay,and never have this problem again IPB sales an bypass plate.

Sounds like you may have accidentally removed the vacuum line to the modulator valve on the back of the transmission. (worst case, the headers may have burned through the hose, but either way, this is more than likely the problem.
Hope this helps
Chris.

valve body in trans is bad