1998 S70 Fixed Transmission Range Switch... Now Trans Fault

ferocity02 · Post by **ferocity02** » 24 Oct 2015, 17:06

My 98 Volvo S70 had an issue where the reverse lights would not come on. Today I pulled apart the range switch, cleaned it out, and lubed it back up with dielectric grease. While I was working on the range switch I hooked up the battery, turned on the ignition, and rotated the range switch by hand to verify that the reverse lights work. The reverse lights now work but now there is also a transmission fault.

The up arrow is flashing and the check engine light is on. I scanned for codes and there are none. I tried clearing codes but no luck. It's starting off in 2nd or 3rd gear but seems to drive fine otherwise.

I have no clue where to even begin. Everything is plugged in. My only thought is to replace the range switch since it could have been damaged during the fix.

If it's not adjusted correctly could this cause a fault? I placed it back in its original position using the bolt/washer marks as alignment indicators.

Any thoughts?

UPDATE 10/25/15: After sitting overnight the transmission fault is gone, and the trans shifts normally now. BUT, the CHECK ENGINE light is still on. It comes on a couple seconds after starting the car. When I scan for codes nothing comes up. When I clear codes the light doesn't turn off. So I pulled the battery cable and will let it sit today and see if that clears it.

I'm thinking that powering on the car while working on the range switch caused a fault that took a drive cycle to clear.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 24 Oct 2015, 17:14

There's a lot of good info here!
It's usually referred to as the PNP.
Use that as your search term.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 24 Oct 2015, 18:08

The reverse lights are controlled by one section of the switch but the gear selection is actually run through other sections of the multi-pole switch. With all things equal the reverse lights are a good indicator of proper adjustment but since you had the switch apart there is a chance that one of the contacts didn't seat properly.

You are good at taking it apart after doing it once so I would take it apart again to make sure that the contacts are properly seated in their respective slots.

...Lee

Post by **cn90** » 24 Oct 2015, 19:18

As you know, there is that infamous DIY thread in forum.

There are three (3) copper U-shaped contacts, each has a spring.
I think one of the springs may have been lost, so no contact for one of the copper contacts.

As Lee said, remove it and inspect.

This is another good link:

GEAR POSITION SENSOR REPAIR, 1995 VOLVO 850
Gear position sensor repair 1995 volvo 850

ferocity02 · Post by **ferocity02** » 24 Oct 2015, 19:42

I took the switch back apart and it looks fine. Anyways to test it besides the reverse lights working?

Post by **cn90** » 24 Oct 2015, 21:41

Is your console switch in "W" (Winter mode)?

ferocity02 · Post by **ferocity02** » 24 Oct 2015, 21:57

cn90 wrote:Is your console switch in "W" (Winter mode)?

No, winter mode makes the up arrow stay on solid. My up arrow is flashing. The small LED's on the "E" and "W" buttons are flashing as well also indicating a transmission fault.

Post by **cn90** » 24 Oct 2015, 22:28

Just curious how many miles in your car?

ferocity02 · Post by **ferocity02** » 24 Oct 2015, 23:05

cn90 wrote:Just curious how many miles in your car?

187k

Post by **cn90** » 25 Oct 2015, 09:29

I don't want to state the obvious, but if you do a google search using key words:

" Volvo PNP flashing light..."

You will see quite a few interesting readings...

Please report back. It may end up to be S2 solenoid, which may be replaced w/o the need to remove the trans (I saw it somewhere in forum).