Time for a new PNP switch?

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 23 Jan 2011, 15:07

I have no blinking arrow but I have no reverse lights. Granted, it's been like that for awhile now but since I need to get the car inspected I actually have to deal with it now. I used to be able to get them on pushing the shifter all the way forward but that no longer works (hasn't worked for awhile).

I tried realigning the switch, but unless I'm missing something I got no where. I tried moving the switch the entire range of the reverse gear and the reverse lights never came on. I know it's not a fuse since the turn signals are on the same fuse and they work just fine. I also checked the light bulbs on the off chance both were blown and they looked fine. Also, if they were out, wouldn't the light warning come on when in reverse if the pnp was working properly?

Now, Maybe I was missing some fundamental on the alignment, but I did find it challenging to keep the shifter arm and shaft from moving when tightening the shift arm shaft nut, but I was able to do it with the flat head in the slot on the shift armer.

I've also tried the ratcheting method as well, and no luck there.

There is no problem with getting into and out of gear. Occasionally there is a clunk when coming out of park or going from R to D but I always figured that was just a worn engine mount.

So, time for a new switch or is there something else to try? I don't mind getting a new switch, but don't want to replace it if it would cure the problem.

hammertime · Post by **hammertime** » 23 Jan 2011, 16:17

I can't say if you need a new one or not, but I thought I'd give you this info: There is a wide price range for this part across the internet parts suppliers. Search them all before ordering. I saw OEMs for as much as $170. A little more than 2 years ago I found one for my 850 made by AC Delco for $56. It works just fine. Now my S70 needs one and days of searching turned up nothing that cheap. Apparently AC Delco discontinued it. Best price I found was for a ScanTech made switch from Groton. Came in the mail just the other day. Now if we could just get a break from 5 degree Farenheit weather, I'd put it in.

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 23 Jan 2011, 18:37

Yeah, I hear you about the weather. I did an inner tie rod, air pump, and check valve this weekend. None to warm. Luckily I have a very warm and thick pair of coveralls back from my Marine Inspection days. I was going to pull it into my garage, but one bay is my general workshop and the other bay has my 65 mustang. The mustang had a dead battery and I didn't have time to charge it.

I'm just trying to make sure I'm not missing something else prior to dropping another $160 (or $85 for scantech).

One of these days I'll get sick of my love affair with these volvos.

Post by **phat78ta** » 23 Jan 2011, 20:08

Id stay away from the scantec part. I've heard some bad experiences on here about those.
There is a thread on here about rebuilding your switch. Its easy, and you know you have a good part. I did it and it solved my issues. Plus, if you mark the bolts, you don't have to mess with re aligning the switch.

cambiecbc · Post by **cambiecbc** » 23 Jan 2011, 20:48

I also rebuilt the PNP switch and It works very good till now. Search the links and carefully clean all parts.
It took me 15 mins to renew copper pieces and springs. try before buy a new one.
Good luck!

Post by **rommel0915** » 23 Jan 2011, 21:15

I also rebuilt mine and works great. Just follow the write up and you should be fine.

Sladethesleeper · Post by **Sladethesleeper** » 23 Jan 2011, 21:24

I saw the write up about rebuilding the switch.

My question, were guys having the same issue with reverse lights? I guess I don't really lose anything from trying it and I still have the car mostly torn down to that point so it won't be too hard to do.

cambiecbc · Post by **cambiecbc** » 23 Jan 2011, 22:36

My reverse light was not on. The car couldn't be normal at D and drove at 2nd or L when first start every morning for 15 mins..
That's the reason to rebuild the switch.

Post by **rommel0915** » 24 Jan 2011, 08:41

I agree! No reverse lights = PNP switch rebuild.

danton · Post by **danton** » 29 Jan 2011, 14:08

prior to taking switch out may I suggest you gain access to the electrical connector the switch connects to and separate it to access the pins and determine whether pins 5 and 9 on the connector are shorted when the transmission is in reverse. I believe these are the reverse switching part of the switch. Just a thought and if someone knows better I defer to their knowledge.