Getting a flashing arrow up

danas200 · Post by **danas200** » 07 Jan 2007, 00:51

Transmission codes

I'm getting a flashing arrow up, with check engine light. My 850 turbo then started only in 3rd gear which is a pain! took it to my mechanic I trust who noted the code as "a Transmission slip" So he told me we need a used Transmission which we found for $500 with 120 k on it. he's installing it in my 850 for $600 more which is cool.
Here's my Q, since we've been dealing with this problem for 2 weeks now, I've been driving it with little problems. It shifts fine but the "check engine light" can come back on even after clearing it, that lasts for a few days then while cold it might shift hard and the lights come back on again. He's seeking to install the used Transmission next week, are we are doing the right thing? Could my Transmission really be slipping? then working normally like this?
Dan in Oregon

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2007, 00:58

I hate to say it but the flashing arrow light is very common and over 90% of the time it means you need a new PnP (Park-neutral-position) switch and not a new transmission. Have you read your codes? What is the reason for the CEL (check engine light)?

Post by **luketrash** » 07 Jan 2007, 01:06

Yeah, hopefully you haven't ordered the transmission yet.

My car was doing this in November and I fixed it by ratcheting the gear shift from park to low gear quickly about 10 times.

It smears the grease around on the switch and has made it work for now.

I noticed tonight that my reverse lights didn't come on though unless I wiggled the shifter around..

But it's not the transmission.. My car did the same thing.. When the switch doesn't get the right signal to the transmission, it goes into dummy mode and starts you out in 3rd gear (as if you're in winter mode)

and the economy/sport light flashes on the switch along with the flashing orange arrow on the dash.

danas200 · Post by **danas200** » 07 Jan 2007, 01:09

From what I remenber, it's something like "transmission slip" along those lines. Anyway for me to check which is really the problem?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2007, 01:19

Get the codes read from your car and post them up. What year is your 850? Depending, you can read them yourself or you can get an auto parts store to read them (such as AutoZone). Knowing the codes will help us pin this down.
Alternately, try putting your key to position II, step on the brake and release the gear shift from "P" and push it all the way down to "L" Do this quickly over and over about 20 times. Now crank the car and see if the light has gone out. If it has, this is the classic PNP issue.

danas200 · Post by **danas200** » 07 Jan 2007, 01:34

This is a 1995 850, okay I'll get back on here after I try these things

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2007, 01:38

Ah, a '95...so the diagnostic code reading can be done from under your hood without a scan tool! Also, did you know that there is a free service manual for your car? It is in the pinned section but here is the link to it to speed thing up: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/downlo ... vo_850.zip
I hope it comes in handy for you.

Post by **luketrash** » 07 Jan 2007, 09:03

Also, I have to add this:

When my car did this, the light did -NOT- go out right away.

I had to then the car on, off, on, off until it stopped happening.

I think three or four times will reset the computer. By on, I mean starting it, and then shutting it off.

I did this while sitting in my driveway, so that way I'd know if the problem was truly gone.

I believe the PNP switch issue does indeed throw a code for a 'slipping transmission' which is misleading.

Also, I've never seen a transmission fail all at once. Slipping occurs gradually over time, progressively getting worse and worse until the car fails to move anywhere, but the RPMs climb as you give it gas.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2007, 10:44

Normally I would never recommend buying car parts for your Volvo from an Autozone, however, those over on sweedspeed have been claiming very good success with the $50 AutoZone PNP switch: http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.ph ... opic=68098