Login Register

Automatic transmission warning light

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

Post Reply
Rick

Automatic transmission warning light

Post by Rick »

I hope someone can help me with this. I have a '96 850 with automatic transmission. In the past few day, I have noticed that after I started the engine in the morning, the orange arrow signal blinks. When I shift the gear into D and drive around, I niticed that the gears are shifting at higher rev (in Economy mode) and is rough between gear changes. After I drive the car around for about 5 minutes at least and then turn of the engine and then restart the engine, this warning signal disappears. It happens this way everyday and I wonder what went wrong???? Can anybody help! :(

dpauto.com
Posts: 131
Joined: 27 April 2003
Year and Model:
Location: Riverside, CA

Post by dpauto.com »

You have a problem in the transmission or one of its external related components. I suggest you take it to a dealer.

Dave
ASE - VOLVO Master Technician

alfred850

Post by alfred850 »

I have a similar problem. After shifting into reverse the yello warning lights blinks and the check engine light comes on. Once placed into drive, the car drives very slow; strainig as though it's in a high gear.

I just manually reset the code and try again.

Turn off the engine. Insert probe into A1. Turn on power then press button for 1-2 seconds. The error code should blink 3-1-3. Press botton again for 1-2 sec to ensure all codes have been read. Then press button for 5-6 seconds; Once the lights comes on and stays on, press the botton for another 5-6 seconds. Turn off engine and restore probe. that should fix the error and not the problem. somethings wrong and will still need attention.
[email protected]

User avatar
Tsquared
Posts: 519
Joined: 17 August 2003
Year and Model: 11 C30
Location: Atlanta GA
Has thanked: 1 time

Post by Tsquared »

I have had the same lights on. I also have a 96 850 normally asperated 20-valve engine with 92K miles. I had the transmission power flushed at 70K for preventative maintenance.

When I had the transmission check engine light up I had the codes pulled and I had a first/second solenoid that had failed. I had the computer reset and it came on a week later - no issues with shifting just an error with the same solenoid. I had the transmission flushed and the codes reset. I worked fine for about 1K miles and the trans check engine came back on - same error code on the solenoid.

Dealer wanted to rebuild to correct when I called with the codes - no choice must rebuild at $2700. INDY (Independant Mechanic) recomended clearing and seeing what happened - if it comes back on flush and reset and if it comes on again rebuild.

I have access to an OBDC II tester so I can pull the codes and clear the computer - I don't have a Volvo codebook. I will continue to reset my computer and get the trans flushed every 20K until it will not shift.
'11 C30 T5

'96 854 - died an early death with 184K miles. Killed by the front end of an LTD on a suicide mission (T-boned and both cars totaled).

Craig1

Post by Craig1 »

When my 94 has the yellow light blinking, I shut off the motor and restart. The light still blinks, but it shifts properly. I have even gotten good at shutting off the motor while I am driving. I don't recommend this to everyone because the steering can lock and it could result in a wreck.

paul's 96volvo glt

Post by paul's 96volvo glt »

Rick wrote:I hope someone can help me with this. I have a '96 850 with automatic transmission. In the past few day, I have noticed that after I started the engine in the morning, the orange arrow signal blinks. When I shift the gear into D and drive around, I niticed that the gears are shifting at higher rev (in Economy mode) and is rough between gear changes. After I drive the car around for about 5 minutes at least and then turn of the engine and then restart the engine, this warning signal disappears. It happens this way everyday and I wonder what went wrong???? Can anybody help! :(
Did you ever find out what's wrong? Mine is starting to act up on me. [email protected]

Paul's 850 glt 96

Post by Paul's 850 glt 96 »

I just did an ATF flush on my volvo, the next morning, the arrow light came on as well as the check engine light. The car starts A-1 but when in any forward gears, it crawls...as thaugh it's in high gear. It goes into reverse fine and lots of power in reverse. Does anyone have this problem or know of the cure?[quote]

User avatar
matthew1
Site Admin
Posts: 14484
Joined: 14 September 2002
Year and Model: 850 T5, 1997
Location: Denver, Colorado, US
Has thanked: 2660 times
Been thanked: 1248 times
Contact:

Post by matthew1 »

You're in auto trans 'limp' mode... locks into 3rd gear, up arrow lit. You need to pull the code and find out what it's complaining about. But since you just changed your fluid, $10 says you're too high or too low on it.
Help keep MVS on the web -> click sponsors' links here on MVS when you buy from them.

Also -> Amazon link
. Click that when you go to buy something on Amazon and MVS gets a cut!

1998 V70, no dash lights on

1997 850 T5 [gone] w/ MSD ignition coil, Hallman manual boost controller, injectors, R bumper, OMP strut brace

2004 V70 R [gone]

How to Thank someone for their post

Image

Rick

Post by Rick »

It's better to be late than never. The problem with my 850's transmission was due to a malfunctional transmission oil temperature sensor. I had it replaced by the dealer and everything went fine again. :)

JackW

Post by JackW »

I'm having a similar problem with my transmission. does anyone know of a good tranny shop? The dealer simply says to replace it.

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post