'96 850 Auto Trans Errror Codes?? OBDII

Post by **red_baron** » 09 Nov 2009, 20:45

Just picked up a '96 850 Sedan ostensibly to use for parts for my '96 850 GLT SW. Other than the tranny it's in good shape 140K. Here are the codes I'm getting:
P0732-Gear 2 ratio incorrect
P0733 Gear 3 ratio incorrect
P0734-Gear 4 ratio incorrect
P0705 Transmission Range sensor circuit malfunction
P0500- Vehicle speed sensor A malfunction
Is the tranny shot? How would I begin to diagnose? Is it PNP?
Help!
Thankss

Post by **VCA** » 10 Nov 2009, 06:00

red_baron wrote:Just picked up a '96 850 Sedan ostensibly to use for parts for my '96 850 GLT SW. Other than the tranny it's in good shape 140K. Here are the codes I'm getting:
P0732-Gear 2 ratio incorrect
P0733 Gear 3 ratio incorrect
P0734-Gear 4 ratio incorrect
P0705 Transmission Range sensor circuit malfunction
P0500- Vehicle speed sensor A malfunction
Is the tranny shot? How would I begin to diagnose? Is it PNP?
Help!
Thankss

The 0500 comes from the ABS module, which might need a rebuild, or it might be a bad wheel sensor. With a '96, pulling OBDII codes requires VOL-FCR software and a laptop or a VST. The 0705 generally indicates a bad PNP. Replace it first before condemning the gearbox.

Bad news: on OBDII cars, you generally start troubleshooting with the lowest code, clear and retest. So, I think your plan of action is fix the ABS codes (either determine bad wheel sensor or replace module--since you have two cars, you can swap them to see if the codes follow), if 0500 clears but 0705 returns, then it's time for a PNP switch.

EDIT: Some 850s have a real Vehicle Speed Sensor on the gearbox near the RH (passenger) half-shaft. It's Volvo 9148788, check connections to it first. This is only on sedans with VIN chassis through 266999 and wagons with chassis through 170999. If yours does, double-check connections to it and, if dispositive, that's the sensor to replace, not the ABS (unless you have an ABS light on).

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 10 Nov 2009, 07:15

The gear ratio codes are odd because I have never seen all 3 codes pop up at the same time. I would check and see if the TCU is bad.

Post by **red_baron** » 10 Nov 2009, 18:32

Thanks for the replies. I'll have a chance to check things out later this week. Let u know what I find out.

Post by **red_baron** » 10 Nov 2009, 19:29

Where can I get VOL-FCR software?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 10 Nov 2009, 21:40

Rumor has it that that there is a cracked serial version floating around on bit torrent or piratebay.

The standard OBD-II reader is just fine for engine and transmission codes though. The VOL-FCR just gets you access to some of the other systems that you can't get to from the generic OBD-II code reader.

...Lee

Post by **red_baron** » 20 Nov 2009, 13:56

Installed the PNP switch from the red_baron that I cleaned and replaced 1 contact ( see no backup lights no stickah post). The only dash warning lamps lit were check engine, ABS and service due (ignored-am going to take bulb out). My code reader reported just one error P0705 this time. erased the code. I'm able to drive the car for about 5 minutes, drive , reverse, low, winter, sport then it starts to slip. Turn car off and wait a couple of minutes and u can drive again. Am going to try flushing the tranny tomorrow unless there is a better plan of attack...anyone???

Post by **red_baron** » 27 Nov 2009, 11:14

Flushed the tranny. The fluid was most likely the original (140,000miles)as it was black and the transmission magnetic drain plug had about a 1/16" of metal debris on end.
No more codes relating to the transmission. It works in all gears and modes. I get a sporatic ABS lamp/code. I'm going to perform the DIY on the abs module.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 27 Nov 2009, 14:31

Good to hear that the drain and fill cleaned things up for you. Keep in mind that draining it once will still leave a hefty amount of the old fluid in the car; if it's working now you may want to leave it as is just don't forget that you need to drain it several times before you get a majority of clean ATF.

Post by **red_baron** » 27 Nov 2009, 18:46

I did the modified flush, drained the tranny, add = amount of ATF, connected hose to tranny/radiator hose and drained 2 qts of fluid multiple times until fluid coming out of hose was red. Went thru about 10 qts. Would there still be alot of old ATF in the system?
Thanks,
Greg