1999 S70 Dashboard does not work, drops into winter mode

Chazzey77 · Post by **Chazzey77** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:31

I very recently bought a S70. I adore the car, but it does have quite a few miles on it. It worked fine the first week or so that I had it, and then the speedometer and odometer quit working (sometimes they work, most of the time they do not). Also, the traction, abs, and brake lights come on. The worst thing, however, is that the car will randomly shift down into what I can only determine is winter driving mode. At that point it takes a lot of gas to get it to move from a stopping position. I have asked two mechanics about this one said it was probably the abs module, the other told me that I needed a speed cluster replacement. I just don't want to do anything that is unnecessary. Does anyone have an opinion? I also don't want the car's transmission to be injured by any of this. Any feedback will be very welcome.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:39

Nothing wrong with your instrument cluster. It is most likely the ABS module needs repairing.

The Brake light is a different story. That light only comes on if the brake fluid is low, so check that as soon as possible. DOT4+

Post by **precopster** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:43

That red brake light with the exclamation mark can also come on if the ABS module is not present or totally dead. Contact MVS user Matty Moo @ Midwest ABS and he'll have a solution for you.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:45

The transmission issue sounds like the car is going into 'limp mood.' This is a feature the trans uses when it detects a fault. It will revert to 3rd gear only thus allowing you to limp home and fix the problem. The car should not be drive in 'limp mode' as you can very easily cause serious damage. Limp mode is typically accompanied by a flashing up arrow in the lower right hand corner of the instrument cluster. You didn't mention the light so maybe yours is simply burned out.

EDIT: Re-read what you wrote about the dash and it sounds like the ABS module needs to be resoldered/replaced. MattyMoo is a great source for that.

Chazzey77 · Post by **Chazzey77** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:46

I was suspecting the abs more than the cluster as well. The car was recently serviced and they were supposed to check all the fluids, but I will do so myself to be sure. Thank you.

Chazzey77 · Post by **Chazzey77** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:48

polskamafia mjl wrote:The transmission issue sounds like the car is going into 'limp mood.' This is a feature the trans uses when it detects a fault. It will revert to 3rd gear only thus allowing you to limp home and fix the problem. The car should not be drive in 'limp mode' as you can very easily cause serious damage. Limp mode is typically accompanied by a flashing up arrow in the lower right hand corner of the instrument cluster. You didn't mention the light so maybe yours is simply burned out.

EDIT: Re-read what you wrote about the dash and it sounds like the ABS module needs to be resoldered/replaced. MattyMoo is a great source for that.

The up arrow does flash! I just wasn't sure what it was called.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 05 Jun 2014, 20:53

Ah ha. Ok so I would highly recommend not driving the car (I know this sometimes isn't an option).

My transmission is also having similar issues. I have a 95' however so I can read and reset transmission codes without any dealer tools. In my case, I have a shift solenoid going bad. Once every month or so my transmission goes into limp mode and I have to reset the transmission computer and all is good for awhile. I would recommend spending the $$ and have a Volvo dealer read the transmission codes.

I have a 5 speed manual waiting to go in so I'm ok with biding my time with my current transmission.

Chazzey77 · Post by **Chazzey77** » 06 Jun 2014, 05:39

Ok, but I thought when the car was in "limp home" mode that it would not go above 30 mph or so the entire way. My car will only shift down into 3rd gear at the occasional stop and once it goes it is fine. Perhaps, I do just need to stop at the dealer and have them read the codes.

I really appreciate all the replies!

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 06 Jun 2014, 09:30

As long as you are in limp mode, arrow flashing, and you have to drive the car, manually down shift into L when you are stopped and shift up to 3 and D when needed. That will lessen the impact on the torque converter and help decrease the wear and tear.

The reason for the arrow flashing is that the tranny computer is not getting the speed signal, it goes through the ABS module. If the tranny does not know how fast the car is going, it becomes impossible to know what gear to be in.

https://www.midwest-abs.com/ Matty Moo is a good person to do business with.

Chazzey77 · Post by **Chazzey77** » 10 Jun 2014, 17:27

Hello, thank you all for the advice. I took the car into the garage and my mechanic, fortunately, had a spare Volvo abs module. He put it on and the car has been very happy ever since. No more crazy lights or shifting. Thank you for not encouraging me to change the instrument cluster. (Thank you especially Klausc/ I love my car and did not want to injure it).