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98 850 T-5 A/T trans limp mode, maybe also down on power. Topic is solved

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

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RedBrickCollector
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Year and Model: 1997 850 T-5 Wagon
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98 850 T-5 A/T trans limp mode, maybe also down on power.

Post by RedBrickCollector »

It started a couple days ago as a flashing light that would go away after about a minute. Now it's a solid light that stays on. Tried the 20 shift tip but that hasn't changed things.

The timeline and symtpoms:
Background: Alternator rebuilt three weeks ago

Flashing transmission light started yesterday. Two trips where it would go out around the same time as the service light. Felt normal afterwards but that was in stop and go traffic.This is when I first tried the 20 shift tip

Today, one trip with the flashing light/ Flashing light went out but it seemed down on power. Wouldn't go past around 2800 rpm. Possibly relevant that this is the first trip this month with light traffic (7kph average on the computer for 100km)

On the way back home it was a solid light that wouldn't go away. Car needed to rev up to around 2k to start moving, once moving it wasn't terrible, but I was just trying to get it home.

I hear the PNP switch is a common failure point but I'm not sure my symptoms are cosnsitent with that. Currently don't have a way to read codes.
'97 950 T-5 Wagon
'89 and '95 Daihatsu Feroza

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misha
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Post by misha »

You must read the codes...otherwise it will get pretty expensive.

Vol-fcr with a laptop or 850 OBDII android app is a must.

Your transmission starts in 3rd gear and that's why it needs past 2k rpm to start moving.. it acts the same in winter mode too.

About pnp switch...if you have reverse lights in R...pnp is ok.
'97 850 2.5 20v / fully equipped / Motronic 4.4 from the factory / upgraded with S,V,C,XC70 instrument cluster / polar white wagon
History of Volvos in the family:
'71 144 S
'73 144 De Luxe
'78 244 DL
'78 244 DL
'79 244 GLE
'85 340 GLS

RedBrickCollector
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Year and Model: 1997 850 T-5 Wagon
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Post by RedBrickCollector »

So it's possibly stuck in winter mode? I have not been able to get either of those to work, I guess that will be my next priority
'97 950 T-5 Wagon
'89 and '95 Daihatsu Feroza

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misha
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Post by misha »

Pm xanthefin here on MVS and he will give you all information about his 850 OBDII android app.
'97 850 2.5 20v / fully equipped / Motronic 4.4 from the factory / upgraded with S,V,C,XC70 instrument cluster / polar white wagon
History of Volvos in the family:
'71 144 S
'73 144 De Luxe
'78 244 DL
'78 244 DL
'79 244 GLE
'85 340 GLS

RedBrickCollector
Posts: 192
Joined: 24 November 2023
Year and Model: 1997 850 T-5 Wagon
Location: Philippines
Has thanked: 40 times
Been thanked: 28 times

Post by RedBrickCollector »

Issue was an improperly seated TCM
'97 950 T-5 Wagon
'89 and '95 Daihatsu Feroza

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BEJinFbk
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Post by BEJinFbk »

Another thought might be to monitor your system voltage while driving.
Something as simple as meter plugged into your cigarette lighter may
give you some clues.
'98 V70 R - Well Equipped for Life Up North... ;)

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