1995 Volvo 960 speedometer signal missing

[aljoy1]

I have a 1995 Volvo 960 and the speedometer stops intermittently and then the car goes into limp mode. The blinking orange arrow goes on as well. Seems to start when driving locally and at full stop. Have had it to the tranny shop and local shops and had rear speed sensor replaced without fixing the problem. No broken wires and the connections on the sensors / main plug by the tranny seem good. Any idea what might be causing this - A1 fault code of 2-3-2 (also A3 code of 1-5-5 although that is probably something else).

[billofdurham]

A3 1-5-5 may be a pointer to the problem with the speedo signal. That code is for the ABS rear axle sensor indicating an open circuit or a short to supply.

A1 2-3-2 is speedometer signal missing possibly due to an open circuit in the signal cable or a short circuit to supply in the signal cable.

As far as I can remember the two cables share a common run from the rear axle to the front of the car. You state there are no broken wires but how far were you able to check before they disappeared into a loom?

Bill.

[aljoy1]

Thanks - I could only check what was easily seen with the ar on a lift. I will see if I can get it back on a lift and look for a break in that cable. Could the ABS rear axle sensor just be back causing the problem? and where is that sensor located? No ABS light on or any other indicators other than the blinking orange arrow.

[Jack Rock]

Try checking the connections to your ABS module, or perhaps the module is bad. I drove my 850 around with the module disconnected and in pieces on my work bench, it caused my speedometer to quit working, messed up the mileage calculations, CEL on, arrow light on, abs light on, tracs light on. Just a stab in the dark though.

[billofdurham]

The rear wheel ABS sensor is inside the diff.

Bill.

[aljoy1]

Thanks - I just replaced the rear speed sensor (on the back of the tranny) and assume that is the same ABS speed sensor you are referring to - is that correct - the rear ABS sensor if the same speed sensor? Maybe replacing that sensor tripped that code?

[billofdurham]

The ABS sensor and speedo sending unit are not the same. The ABS sensor is inside the diff, part #11 in the attached. The speedo sending unit is part #25.

960 ABS sensor wheel rear..pdf

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Bill.

[aljoy1]

Thanks again - I had the transmission rebuilt about two years ago but maybe that work was done properly. I assume the tranny needs to come out to check this part you show in the attached - any way to check that (signal, etc) without dropping the tranny?

I did have my ABS light on for about 10 minutes the other day - first time that has happened and hasm't happened since.

[billofdurham]

When you mention the tranny do you mean the transmission (gearbox) or the differential which is where the sensors are. If you had the differential rebuilt 2 years ago I doubt the ABS sensor will be a problem. The ABS light coming on and then going off again and not re-appearing is not unusual. The sensing system for the ABS is very sensitive and doesn't need to be out much before it thinks it has a problem. My 850 has been popping the ABS light on for over two years now. It never stays on very long nor does it do it more than once every six months or so. When it stays on permanently I shall worry.

If you are still having speedo problems forget about the ABS and concentrate on the speedo. Have you checked the wiring from the differential? Also check the power lead to the speedo head as you may have an intermittent fault there and check the earths (grounds) from the speedo head below the right front seat.

Bill.

[Ozzy Oz]

Hi guys,

I know its an old thread, but I have been struggling with my 1995 Volvo 960. Its is limp-mode with flashing arrow and WSE. A1 OBD code is 232 missing speed signal (which cannot be cleared!).

I have checked the rear axle speed sensor, wires all looks good. My speedometer works normal as well. Did you find the solution for this anyhow?