98 S70 GLT Reverse lights don't work

[ferocity02]

This issue started a couple months ago. When I put the car in reverse, the reverse lights do not come on. All other lights work just fine. I tried running the shifter though the gears quickly many times with the engine off to possibly "free up" the gear indicator switch, but no dice. The bulbs are fine. I think it might be the switch on the transmission itself. Anyone had a similar issue?

Car is a 1998 S70 GLT 2.4L Turbo, auto tranny, with ~184K miles.

[erikv11]

Very common, indeed the problem is usually the PNP switch located on the transmission. At 184k it is likely the PNP needs refreshing.

You can replace it or you open up the old one and "rebuild" it. I have only gone with the rebuild, had to do it on two cars so far. The rebuild is pretty simple, involves cleaning up old grease and replacing or filing three copper contacts. You can find write-ups for both procedures here at MVS. Check the repair database and do a few searches of this forum.

[erikv11]

Here are a couple links to get you going:
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=29930

repair kit consist of 3 copper contacts, overpriced but probably preferred over putting in a crappy aftermarket PNP: http://www.swedishcarparts.com/car-auto ... oryid=1350

[ferocity02]

Thanks for the reply. I suspected it was the PNP switch. The repair kit is $20 before shipping. I looked at new switches and they range from $50 to $150 for non-OEM ones. Usually the non-OEM parts fall pretty closely in price. Anyone know why this is for the PNP switch?

The $50 one is made by URO Parts, and the $150 ones are made by Airtex and Duralast. OEM ones (9466012) are also going for ~$150.

[precopster]

Cleaning & reshaping contacts while attached to vehicle is preferred. To fully remove and replace you need to deal with splitting the connector which is not rocket science but adds 15 minutes to the job.

Most of the problem is the copper contacts wear on an angle. There is usually plenty of material left on them for a good filing and you can then retension the springs which push them toward the contact tracks.

I was ill prepared for my refurb and used Vicks Vaporub as lubricating grease. The PNP switch on our 850 has yet to catch a cold 3 years later

[ferocity02]

UPDATE: The issue was indeed the PNP / range switch. The third copper contact was very worn down and worn at an angle. I lightly sanded it to create a flat surface and flipped it 180 so it can wear the other direction. Also cleaned out the switch and relubed with dielectric grease. Reverse lights works great now!

[erikv11]

Nicely done. See you next October!