1995 Volvo 850 occasional transmission issues

[the79bomb]

I have been experiencing issues with the transmission for several months. It started with the Volvo going into limp mode - would not get out of first gear. The mechanic could not read the codes with OBD II so I used OBD I and pulled the following transmission codes:

A1 Transmission
114 Program selector open circuit or short circuit to supply
222 S2 solenoid open circuit

I replaced the PNP switch which seemed to fix limp mode. However one day shortly thereafter it started having acceleration issues. Very slow acceleration. The engine would rev up correctly but the transmission would not deliver the full power to the wheels causing slow acceleration. The orange up arrow on the dash would blink. The next day or two the issue stopped. It happened once again briefly and has not had an issue in a few weeks now and the arrow stops blinking for some trips and blinks for others. I have a 1-mile commute so it never drives too far.

Cost for replacing the S2 solenoid is over $800, mostly labor. My question is: based on my description is this definitely a bad solenoid? I have tried to find information about what the S2 solenoid is responsible for and have not had much luck.

The transmission was replaced on this car in '06 with a used tranny by the previous owner.

Any insight on how to determine the exact issue would be appreciated. I tried to reset the codes but it did not seem to work as the same codes were still present immediately after the reset - I must not have the correct reset procedure (holding the button for 30 seconds).

I am wondering if it is possible that PNP switch mis-alignment would cause a partial neutral situation where the clutch is only partially engaged? I did not really see where it could be misaligned unless we are talking about less than a mm of rotation.

Thanks - Tim

[misha]

What OBDI(flash codes)on transmission on a '96?!

[the79bomb]

My mistake. It was a '95. I corrected the listing.
I just had 2 instances where it would not start in park. Had to move it to neutral. I am going to try the procedure here: viewtopic.php?p=57963#p57963. I must be correct in thinking the "large metal part of the PNP switch" which needs turning is the base which is bolted down? It did not move much when the bolts were loose but I will give it a try once I dig my way back to it this weekend.

Any advice on the purpose and working mechanism of the S2 solenoid and any ways to test if it needs replacement would be helpful.

Thanks, Tim

[rspi]

I have spoken to several people lately that have replaced the PNP switch with a NON Volvo one and still have PNP switch issues. I suggest you get a Volvo PNP switch or rebuild the Volvo PNP switch that you removed.

[the79bomb]

This is the one I ordered. Unfortunately, I don't have the old one. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -s70-v70-1

[the79bomb]

I attempted PNP adjustment however the reverse light never went out. I positioned the PNP switch in the mid point of its travel and the car seems to shift OK. I do occasionally need to start in neutral but the orange arrow has not yet returned.