850, Stays in 1st gear too long. Codes 223, 322

[Luke Keppel]

G'day from Australia (not Austria)
I'm a newbie.
Love this website.

My '95 850 stays in fisrt gear until almost 3000 rpms. This seems to happen mostly when I first start the car, whether or not the engine is warm. All other gear changes are fine.
This all started after I drove on some very bumpy, dusty roads. The orange arrow flashed for a while then stopped. I think the bulb in it has blown as it never lights up anymore, even when in winter mode. Also the little orange and greenlights on the econ/sport switch don't come on anymore. Switch still works.
The only codes I get are 232 (speedometer signal missing) and 322 (incorrect gear ratio)
Everything else on the car works fine.
Any help very much appricated.

Thanks
Luke

[Luke Keppel]

Also I should add that the rather unsmooth change into second gear happens at about 25 kph (15mph).

[jblackburn]

The only codes I get are 232 (speedometer signal missing)

I believe that may be your problem.

The 95 transmissions have a speed sensor at the back of the transmission that should tell the transmission when to shift. Here is a link to a topic with a PDF file in it that may help you.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=27122

[Luke Keppel]

Ok, I had a look at the VSS, it looks ok.
Some suggestions I have read on other threads say it can be disconnected and the car still opperates. Some say this has fixed their problems. Is there any risk in driving with this disconnected?
Could the blown flashing arrow light or the blown progam selector lights affect the gear change somehow?
I did get a 144 (program selector short/open circuit) code once but it has not come back. Only 232 and 322.
ATF looks good.
Would replacing the VSS be the next logical step?
The main issue is 1st gear reving out. Not changing to 2nd until 3000 rpms. With a clunk.

[Luke Keppel]

I disconnected the VSS and drove around the block. Still gets stuck in 1st, changes to second at almost 20mph and 3000 rpms with a clunk.
Also the speedo doesnt work when the VSS is disconnected.
I have reconnected it all and pulled the same codes.

I would very much appreciate any advice on what to try next.

Fluid flush? it looks and smells clean.
Clean PNP?
Could it be a solenoid even though it has no solanoid codes?

[boosted5cyl]

I'm having the same issue with my V70. Once the tranny heats up a little is shifts absolutely fine. I can't pull the codes for the tranny with the version of VOL-FCR I have, it displays they all al "unkown".
You could remove and clean the PNP unit, located under the battery.
I'm planning on a solenoid swap shortly.

[vjaneczko]

This doesn't help your first issue, but if it shifts with a clunk, check your motor mounts, especially the front mount below the oil pump.

[precopster]

The stay in gear too long was experienced by us also when cold. We had a flashing arrow but we didn't read the codes. Rowing the gearlever back and forth from D to L seemed to get it to change.

After cleaning and adjusting the PNP the problem hasn't returned in over 6 months and the reverse lights now work all the time.

What area are you in Luke?

[jblackburn]

Yeah, when cold, these transmissions will hold the gears for a long time. This is to help heat up the fluid.

I believe the VSS may be your problem to begin with - you don't see a difference because it's already broken.

Just a theory though.

[Luke Keppel]

Today I pulled out the PNP switch and cleaned it. (Thanks to this awesome site)
Cleared the codes and drove around town.
Same issue, holding first too long.
Only code is 232 (A1) - speedometer signal missing. Could the VSS be sending a bad signal to the TCM even if it does not affect the speedo?

What else could be causing the 232 code?

Any advice?

@ Precopster - I'm in the KImberly, North West.