1999 V70 Shifter Up Arrow Problem

DavidsVolvo · Post by **DavidsVolvo** » 18 Jan 2014, 08:44

My automatic non-turbo wagon has an up arrow and shift issue. The transmission shifts fine, but the up arrow light comes on blinking when in drive and the car seems to be starting out in a higher gear, Not 1st. I can drive the car manually (1,2,3,4...). Is this an electrical / switch issue or is the tranny toast? Does the tranny need fluid changing or is it low? Is this a safe mode for the tranny? Help!

Post by **kcodyjr** » 18 Jan 2014, 08:56

If it shifts normally and smoothly when you do it manually, stays in gear and doesn't slip or anything, then you don't have an internal mechanical problem. There isn't much information here, but I'd suspect wiring harness first. Maybe the TCM shook loose when you went over a bump?

Flashing up arrow means stop driving it. Like any such idiot light, it's programmed to be a bit conservative. If you're on top of shifting promptly, I don't see a likelihood of damage, but don't quote me on that.

If you hear any odd noises, especially grinding or scraping noises, pull the **** over and get a tow.

chrillew · Post by **chrillew** » 18 Jan 2014, 16:30

Check for codes, i cleaned my pnp switch which gave me flashing arrow when changing gear sometimes, especially in colder situations.

DavidsVolvo · Post by **DavidsVolvo** » 19 Jan 2014, 14:49

Thanks guys. I drive the car on the highway last night 150 miles. The car runs great in top gear. The blinking light seems come on intermittently on the highway. The car is definitely stuck in a safe gear now no matter where the shift is and does not seem to shift anymore. I'll get out the analyzer and check codes.

DavidsVolvo · Post by **DavidsVolvo** » 22 Jan 2014, 13:01

I checked the engine and TCM codes...there are none. The engine is running great, but the tranny is in the safe mode with the blinking up arrow. I've changed the tranny fluid once (draining). I'll drive it and change it again hoping that the safe mode goes away. Should I crack open the solenoid case and look at the screen? Any other suggestions? By the way, the code reader does not allow me to reset anything on the TCM

Post by **Matty Moo** » 22 Jan 2014, 18:47

What reader are you using? If that light is blinking there are codes.

Post by **precopster** » 23 Jan 2014, 05:53

It would be good if moderators could merge both the topics you have running on this problem.

As above you really need to have the codes properly read before you act. There is no screen behind the solenoid cover; in fact there's no screen which is serviceable from underneath either.

DavidsVolvo · Post by **DavidsVolvo** » 23 Jan 2014, 09:46

Thanks...I am trying to determine if the tranny is toast before I junk it or spend $$ on fixing it. I am grateful that guys are instructing me to get the codes. I don't know if my analyzer can get the codes and reset the TCM as it is real strange that the limp mode and blinking up arrow are there with no codes.

I am using an AUTEL MaxiDiag Pro MD801 Two Questions...

If the Limp and blinking are present...there has to be codes. Correct?
Does the limp mode need to be reset through the OBDII port even though the incident has been resolved?

Post by **Matty Moo** » 23 Jan 2014, 12:28

The MD801 reads tranny codes.

Select Volvo>Model>Year>TCM. Don't select OBDII which is at the top.

DavidsVolvo · Post by **DavidsVolvo** » 24 Jan 2014, 10:44

Thanks for helping me out on this, that's what Autel said too. I think Tranny issues are the hardest to solve.

Making this simple...If this Autel analyzer is not seeing the tranny (TCM selection) at all on the Volvo-1999-V70-AW50-42 selection, then there is mot likely something wrong with a connection, the TCM or a harness which could be causing the "limp mode". Does anyone agree?