1999 S70 Flashing Arrow and ETS light on

Post by **precopster** » 13 Jan 2016, 13:40

The PNP switch shares one of the VSS sensor's connectors. That's as close as they are related. The PNP's function is to tell the TCM which gear is selected. The wiring is separate.

I would start with a physical inspection of the connector looking for bent pins and/or corrosion. Remember there are 2 VSS sensors. How does the other one connect? Check its wiring also.

A clean with contact cleaner of the large connector and/or the 2nd VSS connector may be all that's needed.

goldmandan · Post by **goldmandan** » 14 Jan 2016, 12:21

Ok now I plugged in my vida and it has the same code 530d but it now says tcm signal faulty. And I tried activating all the solenoids and none of them activate so I am suspecting something else. Maybe a bad power or ground to or from the tcm??? Remember the transmission I believe is in limp mode as I can see in my other scanner that it is in winter mode and arrow flashes all the time. Car is drive able but only in 3 td gear it does not shift up or down. I am going to check the wiring schematic to see where the power comes in because the pins are all clean and straight. Any thoughts. The second vss was also replaced. When I put my scanner and go into the tcm it shows rpms at 0. So I am suspecting no power to or from tcm

Post by **precopster** » 14 Jan 2016, 13:38

Could be a rare case of faulty TCM. When you mentioned the pins I take it that you've already removed the TCM to check it. I often clean the edge connector with contact cleaner on cases like this.

goldmandan · Post by **goldmandan** » 14 Jan 2016, 16:16

I removed the TCM and everything looks good but of course, it's impossible to check the condition of the insides of the TCM.
What made me think it's the TCM is that when I tried to activate the solenoids in the TCM, none of them "clicked". Also, I checked the RPMs on my scanner, nothing it showed 0. I removed and replaced the PNP, the VSS and the rear VSS. No change to the flashing arrow and I believe this means it's in "limp" mode since it feels like it's in Winter mode and won't shift up or down. Reverse does work and the car starts every time so the PNP should be fine. The RPM showing 0 with 3 VSS changed out makes me pretty suspicious of the TCM as that is the "Source" of signals/power/ground.

I am going to swap out the TCM with one that has the same part # and will report back.

Post by **precopster** » 15 Jan 2016, 03:33

As 1999 is the first Canbus year for Volvo the V70 may not start as the immobilser code is hardwired into the TCM also I believe. The replacement TCM should allow you to activate solenoids through Activations in Vida.

I'm curious as to the state of the TCM module when viewed in Vida. If it weren't powered up or have no ground it would appear as a red icon instead of a green. The same goes for the ETM. Do you also have ETM codes?

I can't help but begin to think that there is a Canbus issue in the loom which would also read with a CEM-1A5D which is an ETM communication issue.

goldmandan · Post by **goldmandan** » 15 Jan 2016, 12:33

OK HERE'S THE ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM

As I suspected, I went and grabbed a TCM from the junkyard with the same number as on the box that was in it. Hooked it up..... car runs like an 88k mile car now!!! NO codes, transmission shifts perfect all is good!!!! Just as I thought.... I believe the only modules that would need programming is if you bought a new one at the dealer or if you bought one that was not for your model or (turbo/non turbo) other than that it was a direct drop in.... I also replaced the PNP switch with one that looked in better shape. Everything is good so this can help others with the flashing arrow in the dash.... a simple 10 minute job or replacing the TCM. It needs to be properly diagnosed first of course but man i'm happy now!!!!!

Post by **misha** » 15 Jan 2016, 13:22

Congratulations!

Post by **precopster** » 15 Jan 2016, 13:45

Glad it worked out. First TCM failure on a 1999 I've read about as usually they are bulletproof however there are always the .001% cases.

I was surprised that TCM wasn't included in immobilser equation. Perhaps Temic the manufacturet doesn't have an immobiliser section in their boards.

Engine modules DEFINITELY need programming in order to start the car on 1999s. With ETM you can be lucky as programming can differ depending on dealer intervention and ECM programming.

BTW was this a turbo with ME7 or non turbo with Denso?

Post by **misha** » 15 Jan 2016, 14:32

I still don't get it how ETS is related with auto transmission,except something shorted out in TCM causing ETS malfunction.

goldmandan · Post by **goldmandan** » 15 Jan 2016, 16:26

Misha

The ETS is a different topic. I still have the 9150 code, intermittent though. When I put my scanner the analog output and the output from the ECM is about 2-3 % different so I am thinking it is because the unit is dirty. I will take the lower hose off an clean the insides properly

1999 S70 Flashing Arrow and ETS light on

Re: 1999 S70 Flashing Arrow and ETS light on