diagnostic codes

tommyo1 · Post by **tommyo1** » 16 Oct 2018, 19:47

hello: I am a new user of this site. I own a very clean 1994 Volvo 850 non turbo wagon with only 110k original miles. I have had recurring issues. I have had a repeated problem with the dreaded orange flashing transmission arrow. Through my research I have discovered this is a common issue with this car. I learned the cycle through the gear trick and it only comes back of course. I had the tranny fluid drained and filled and it came back on. However I reset arrow again and for the past two weeks of driving it hasn't come back on again. There were some small particles in transmission fluid but transmission has only gone into limp mode once before in heavy slow traffic. Not once since in two years. Im hoping new fluid resolved the issue. I had the wiring gone through, tps checked, all in working order. This car had been sitting in the desert for years not running. It is a beautiful ruby red with leather interior sunroof and power everything. Hate the rattle in tailgate but I had the suspension redone. Low miles too.

Now I have a CEL coming on. I pulled the codes from port A1 and got the 223 code which from my reading is a faulty tps sensor or signal. This has always been there from before however and mechanic said tps was fine. Of course he wanted to sell me a rebuilt tranny to which I said no. I shifts fine, a little hard sometimes into overdrive but nothing glaring. Climbing up a steep grade however is another matter. It struggles. So here are the codes I need help with- Port A1 code 223- Port A2 code 111- all clear. Port A3 codes-141-142? I couldn't find any related descriptions for these. (My ABS light is on and has been on for a long time)- Port A6 code- 411
Port A7 codes- 231-122

Finally I have a clicking sound under the passenger side lower dash panel when I have the AC on without the recycle switch on. I can hear a motor clicking. As if the vent won't close or open. When the recycle button is pushed in and orange light is on it doesn't click.

I know this is a freaking novel by now but any advice or help would be appreciated. Thank you

Could anyone help me with these codes? Should I change the TPS? Will that clear my CEL?

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 16 Oct 2018, 20:48

Sounds like you need to send off your ABS module to Matty Moo (you'll have it back in two days). Soldering fails on all our ABS modules eventually.

Also sounds like you need to replace that PNP switch. They go bad, too.

You might want to take off your front speed sensors and give them a good cleaning (electrical parts cleaner).

Post some pictures!

Post by **abscate** » 17 Oct 2018, 03:59

That clicking is probably a broken recirc motor trying to close the recirc damper - not an urgent issue, especially in dry country

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Oct 2018, 07:15

The '94 uses a different ABS module and it really isn't prone to failure. Clear the ABS codes (A-3) and see which come back.

The 1-4-1 ABS code indicates a bad pedal position switch and the 1-4-2 indicates a bad brake light switch. The brake pedal position switch can get dirty and cleaning will fix it but be sure to bleed all of the vacuum out of the power brake booster before you try to remove it. If you don't it will suck the O ring into the booster when the sensor is removed - never to be retrieved. The brake light switch may just need to be adjusted.

Check the connector and the wiring from the throttle position sensor. Even if the sensor is good the ECU is telling you it is not receiving the signal.

Based on the flashing arrow and the fact that you can get the car to run OK by rowing the shifter you need to either repair or replace the PNP switch on the transmission.

If you have not already done so, download the service manual:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/downlo ... vo_850.zip

It goes through all of the diagnostic codes for all of the systems and has remedial procedures for each. Many of the procedures call for the use of a break out box or some other special Volvo tool but you can work around that by simply identifying the correct wires and using pins to pierce the insulation to make measurements.

...Lee

tommyo1 · Post by **tommyo1** » 17 Oct 2018, 19:20

Thank you for all the great replies, I have cleared all the codes in ports A1 A2 but A3 still gives me the 141 code, and I can't seem to clear my CEL. I even tried to disconnect my battery but to no avail. Is this a hard code from port A3 or another code that isn't reading causing my check engine light to stay on? My first guess is MAF but It just passed smog a week ago when light was off. The light did come on after driving over outpost canyon coming back from work. And my brakes need done. Not sure if the ABS or brake code causes a hard code in ECU?