1994 Volvo 960 Flashing Arrow and Mode Selector Lights

moodyblue426 · Post by **moodyblue426** » 17 Feb 2014, 16:09

Hi everyone:

I have seen numerous posts about this issue and possible causes and solutions but none seem to address why mine is doing this. I will explain.

I have a 1994 Volvo 960 (pre-OBDII) and every once in a while, the arrow on the dash and mode selectors would flash. I had it checked numerous times by mechanics and nothing wrong with the transmission and it was always code 3-1-1 (missing speed signal). I was able to clear it no problem as the speedometer was working. Now, I am at the point where it now comes on every time I turn the car on, or as soon as it moves (after clearing it each time). It constantly comes on, which locks out the mode selectors (E, S, W) and it flashes at me. It is always the same code 3-1-1 yet the speed registers on the speedo.

I am not sure why it is doing this or what the problem could be. Would you have any idea why this code would be tripped each time? I may have to just bring the car in and have it looked at but the tranny shifts fine and everything works but that code always comes up that says no speed sensor. Could the sensor be loose on the rear diff or something that would cause that? I just need an idea as winter lasts a long time around these parts and I use that W mode (which helps significantly in the snow with RWD) and when it is flashing, I cannot use it.

Please help.

lindy8_man · Post by **lindy8_man** » 17 Feb 2014, 16:41

The flashing arrow and lights on the shift selector indicate that the car's computer has put you into "Limp mode." When my 98 s90 did this, it was because of a sensor in the transmission that had failed. Then later the position sensor failure also put the car into limp mode. "speed sensor" does not necessarily mean "speedometer." I suspect the sensor in your transmission is having problems. I'm no tranny expert, but I do know that sensor failing on my car cost me a new transmission.

Post by **precopster** » 18 Feb 2014, 05:35

It could well be the speed sensor connector on the diff. There is a 2 pin connector which can have corrosion. Remove it and clean it ensuring the contacts within are tight.

moodyblue426 · Post by **moodyblue426** » 20 Feb 2014, 21:45

Thanks for the replies. It doesn't go into limp mode. The car drives and shifts just fine...it just flashes and has the same code every time...3-1-1 which is no speed sensor. Where on the differential is the pin connector located? Is it easy to access or does the car have to be in the air to do so?

Post by **precopster** » 20 Feb 2014, 22:45

This would be a sedan or wagon?? In this year wagons were live axle and sedans were independant.

I can look it up for you.

moodyblue426 · Post by **moodyblue426** » 21 Feb 2014, 19:08

It is a sedan...independent rear suspension

jotzgr · Post by **jotzgr** » 10 May 2014, 20:04

I have almost identical problem on my '96 960 Wagon. This is going to sound weird but everytime I park on the grass or off of my gravel driveway, the next time when I come out and start it I get the flashing arrow and E-S-W lights flashing, usually when it has rained or been wet. The car drives fine and the transmission shifts perfectly in all gears. It eventually goes away; sometimes it takes a couple days, sometimes as soon as I drive a little bit. Mine is OBD II, so it does set off the "Check Engine" light with the PNP code everytime, although that is not the problem, as I have no problems selecting gears, getting reverse lights, etc. Once it goes away, as long as I don't park on the grass, I haven't had it happen again. I'm wondering if something is getting wet or moisture in it underneath?