Check for loose connectors on the side of the gearbox. There are three. The
other thing to check is the W-S-E switch, when they go wrong they cause all
sorts of symptoms. I would check on the quality of the connections first.

Cheers, Peter.

Mine does a similar thing, thinking it is in W mode (those three
letters are for "E"conomy- normal driving, "S"port which is a sportier
shifting mode with higher RPMs and faster downshifting (lots of fun in
the mountains), and "W"inter which is sort of like a granny low for
low traction surfaces- it decreases the torque to the rear wheels).
Mine goes into a sort of false neutral with very little power to the
rear wheels. It usually happens only when shifting into W mode and/or
shifting into 1st from 3rd. SOmetimes when shifting from P to N.

I got under the car anc thoroughly cleaned and silicons greased all
the connections I could, and it sort of seemd to help kind of. I am
assuming that it is my gear position switch (the pitchpipe switch on
the right side). To solve it I can turn the car one, allow the relays
to click and turn it off- usually three times does it (but not always-
can take four or five). Sometimes (but not always) wiggling the shift
lever helps as well.

SInce your is acting the way it is I would recommend a good mechanic.
If they know Volvo trannys they should be able to go to the problem
fairly easily. Since it is ocassional I would guess it is electrical.
       __  __
Randy & \ \/ /alerie's
        \__/olvo
   '93 960 Estate