Need Help with Part # PNP Switch or Neutral Safety Switch

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 13 Sep 2020, 20:12

Hello All,

This is my first post to the forum but I have been reading for a while and decided to finally make an account.

My "Home Depot/Lowes" vehicle that was given to me by my grandfather is a 2000 Volvo V40 wagon, 1.9T. So far I had to replace the exhaust, spark plugs, ignition coils, brakes, gas filler cap, instrument cluster bulbs and just last week the ambient temperature sensor because it kept reading 140 degrees. I've become familiar with the car via all the repairs and even purchased VIDA/DICE to assist in future repairs.

My current issue that I have diagnosed (thanks to all the posts on this great site) is the issue with the PNP Switch/Neutral Safety Switch. Car has been randomly not cranking over the past two years but then it will start up fine, really hit or miss - remember that this is not my daily driver. Two weeks ago I was driving the car and got the "Check Engine" light and the "Up Arrow" flashing. I cleared the codes and they came back. P0705 Generic Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit (PRNDL Input), P1618 Cable Fault between AW 50-Q2 TCM and Motronic 4.4 ECM (lamp lights). Using a Volvo specific OBD2 scanner, prior to my VIDA/DICE purchase said ECM-76.

Solution is to purchase a new PNP Switch/Neutral Safety Switch and be on my way. The issue is the Part #. I'm getting conflicting Part #'s for the year 2000.

1. I think it's this one: 30865937
Automatic Transmission Gear Position Sensor
Neutral Safety Switch - Volvo (30865937)

2. But then I see this: 30896813
Volvo Gear Position Sensor Genuine Volvo
Pnp Switch - Volvo

Below are two screenshots so you don't think I'm losing it. I'm also going to show you a picture of what VIDA said about the vehicle, it looks like a Christmas tree with all those colors! I really hope these are old stored codes that can only be erased through VIDA.

Any help would be appreciated because I have a NY state vehicle inspection soon. Thank you in advance!

Post by **alschnertz** » 14 Sep 2020, 00:59

Looking at the screenshots, it would appear that the part numbers are for two different transmissions.
AW50 versus AW55.

Since your car is a 2000, it probably has a 4-speed automatic which I believe is the AW50.
2001 they changed to a 5-speed automatic (AW55).
I would verify the transmission type before purchasing the part.

You should also research ignition switch failures on S40s. They seem to have had issues too.

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 15 Sep 2020, 09:01

Thanks for the reply. Now that you've pointed it out, I can see in the screenshots that they indeed are transmission specific. I'm going to look in the owners manual to verify if I have the four or five speed, but your reasoning sounds correct from what I've read online. Are there any distinct visual markings on the transmission bell housing that would give me a visual representation of the type?

Maybe if I hookup up VIDA and look at the "Parts" list I might be able to double check too. I will keep the thread updated.

Post by **alschnertz** » 16 Sep 2020, 15:27

The transmission model tag is located near the PNP plug on my AW-55.
I'd imagine it's near the same location on an AW-50.
See below.

Edit: Also, have you tried "rowing" the shifter back and forth multiple times in an attempt to clean the contacts of the PNP switch?

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 16 Sep 2020, 18:04

Thanks again for the reply. I was going to respond yesterday but I was busy with work.

I did try the "rowing" method but no success. I don't mind replacing the part, just the alignment thing might be an issue but one thing at a time.

I looked in the owners manual and now I know why I couldn't find out the transmission type. I was looking in the "T" section for transmission, but I should have looked in the "A" section for Automatic Transmission. I was able to verify that the car is in fact a 4 speed auto, AW 50-42. I then hooked up my VIDA/DICE until and went into the "Parts" and verified via their diagram that the part # is 30865937. See images below.

You also mentioned I should look into ignition switch failures. I don't mind replace that part because I'm guessing if everyone else has issues with it, then I probably do also. The only thing I'm concerned about is once I replace the ignition switch, will I have to go to the dealer for a reprogramming? I believe this is the Part # from a quick search online. Ignition Switch - Volvo (3345561)

Edit: I guess the contacts get worn with the ignition switch over time?

: ignitionSwitchVolvo.jpg (76.6 KiB) Viewed 8970 times

Post by **alschnertz** » 17 Sep 2020, 14:13

VolvoFredNY wrote: 16 Sep 2020, 18:04You also mentioned I should look into ignition switch failures. I don't mind replace that part because I'm guessing if everyone else has issues with it, then I probably do also. The only thing I'm concerned about is once I replace the ignition switch, will I have to go to the dealer for a reprogramming? I believe this is the Part # from a quick search online. Ignition Switch - Volvo (3345561)

I don't really have much to offer regarding whether or not the switch needs to be reprogramed. My gut says no, but I can't be 100% sure on that. I'm just relaying info. I've garnered over the years on this site.

Re. "everyone else has issues with it". For what it's worth, I haven't had an issue with either the PNP switch or the ignition switch on my 248K mile '01.

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 22 Sep 2020, 13:39

Just an update to this post. Last week I cleared the check engine light through VIDA and have put close to 100 miles on the car and it's been fine, no issues at all. I went ahead and got my NY State inspection today and everything was good. I'm going to leave everything as is and see what becomes of it. It could have been weather related as some say. It could also been a code that I thought I cleared with another OBD2 scanner and it was still stored?

I'll report back if anything interesting happens in the coming months.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Sep 2020, 05:49

If that no crank condition returns you can diagnose the pnp from the ignition switch failure by using the white “ remote starter “ connector under the hood.

If you add some pictures under your V40 hood we can guide you to it

VolvoFredNY · Post by **VolvoFredNY** » 28 Sep 2020, 22:03

abscate wrote: 27 Sep 2020, 05:49 If that no crank condition returns you can diagnose the pnp from the ignition switch failure by using the white “ remote starter “ connector under the hood.

If you add some pictures under your V40 hood we can guide you to it

Thanks for the response. I took some pictures under the hood today. I'll admit, I have no idea of what white "remote starter" you're talking about. She's in rough shape and could probably use a good cleaning inside the engine bay and some new vacuum lines and hoses, etc.

youngmir23 · Post by **youngmir23** » 30 Sep 2020, 06:06

I just changed out my PnP Switch and I can assure you that you have only dodged the proverbial bullet for the time being it will be back and it can get really frightening when it does mainly when driving. I would change it out asap before any other damage is caused inadvertently i am only a mechanic in the sense of I can't afford to have someone else work on my car but I'm knocking problems down left and right thanks to this forum,YouTube as well as pick and pull which is the perfect place to practice on your car before you actually work on your car. Changing that part was a walk in the park if I can you can too or if you have the means have a shop do it (the thought makes me cringe) lol. I'd gladly walk you through the process if needed.