850 intermittent yellow arrow light

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 26 Oct 2020, 21:03

Having problems with my 96 850. The current problem is a yellow transmission warning arrow, that only seems to show up when I’m on my 4th or 5th stop when running errands. After coming out of a store the car will start, but then the arrow light will come on and flash, then the car will stall. I brought it to a local mechanic last week that specializes in Volvos and he couldn’t get it to repeat the issue (only briefly got the arrow light). The car was running a bit sluggish (hesitating to pick up speed) so he suggested replacing the mass air flow sensor. It didn’t have any stored codes. Upon replacement the car was running very well. He drove it around, even at highway speed and didn’t have any issues.

Today I ran errands again, and once again it threw arrow lights and stalled. I sat in the parking for 2 hours, just letting the car sit so I could hopefully get it to stop acting up and drive home. It did work and I was able to get home, with the arrow light coming on briefly a few times during the beginning of the drive. The check engine light also flashed on for a second, but went back off.

I already just had the car in the shop a month ago, where they cleaned the catalytic converter and replaced the air intake hose. They did a shitty job with the intake hose, the Volvo mechanic showed me where they just plugged up part of the hose, rather than properly connecting it. (I haven’t called to discuss that with them yet, although I intend to).

Anyone have any suggestions? I don’t know what to do, and worry this might be the end for my Volvo.

Post by **scot850** » 26 Oct 2020, 23:16

When was the transmission oil last checked for level and when was the oil last changed?

Neil.

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 27 Oct 2020, 10:48

The oil was changed in June.

Transmission fluid was topped up by the mechanic that messed up the air hose install. Thinking about it last night (and reading prior posts of similar issues) I was actually wondering if the issue is that they over filled the transmission fluid. It does appear a bit too high on the dipstick. Do you think that could cause this problem?

And thank you for the help!

Post by **misha** » 27 Oct 2020, 11:34

You mentioned flashing CEL....that always indicates that engine is misfiring.

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 27 Oct 2020, 12:08

The CEL blinked on once, so I guess it could have misfired. It didn’t stay on though, and wasn’t repeatedly blinking.

Post by **Clemens** » 27 Oct 2020, 14:26

Yes, an overfilled tranny could cause a stalling situation, especially if the rest of the system is not in good shape. I've had various misfiring situations in himid weather, sometimws even with Bosch boxed cap and rotor.

Remember: These Volvos will run shitty with aftermarket sensors, plugs and distributor. Also, was the MAF sensor Bosch OEM? Shoild cost between 200 and 300 bucks. If it is cheaper, it is most likely the generic one that will cause various problems.

Back to the tranny: try to drain and refill the fluid 2 to three times while driving at least 100 miles in between oil changes. This should help to clean the tranny. A very dirty tranny can act weird. I had a weird worn out tranny in onenof my 850ies that usually got stuck in 2nd gear when coming to a halt after highway driving. fluid changes helped alot. I also cured strange shifting sysmptoms in another of my 850ies with fluid changes.
Important note: never ever have a shop powerflush these trannies. This will cause trouble.

I would try to see

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 27 Oct 2020, 17:50

I just checked the tranny fluid after letting it idle for about 10 minutes. I know “cold” isn’t ideal conditions to check, but I also can’t really drive it 30 minutes for a hot reading. It’s high, so I’m planning to siphon some tomorrow (hard to do in the dark). I’ll see if getting it to proper level helps, and if it does I’ll try going through fluid changes as well.

I’m not certain if the MAF is OEM. It was $150. I do live in the US South, and parts and labor here are often significantly cheaper than other parts of the country, so it could very well be.

Thank you for the help and suggestions.

Post by **misha** » 27 Oct 2020, 18:12

Check the Bosch number on it...it will be Bosch 0 280 217 107.
Yes...they are cheaper in U.S.

Cailin · Post by **Cailin** » 28 Oct 2020, 15:36

I was able to drive the car for about 30 minutes to get a proper hot reading. It measures at the very top of the hot line, but not actually above. It also didn’t act up, except one brief blink of the arrow light.

I did buy ATF, so I can drain and replace some of the fluid and hope that it helps.

Post by **Clemens** » 29 Oct 2020, 13:26

Also: is rhe PNP switch an issue with the 5spd. tranny as well? Maybe cleaning the PNP could solve the blinking. I can't imagine why it would cause the car to stall, though.