850 Flashing arrow, but gearbox operates fine??????

Discussion in 'Volvo 850' started by Oxbucks, Apr 2, 2010.

  1. Oxbucks

    Oxbucks Guest

    My wife's '96 850 has recently suffered flashing orange arrow (and the
    gearbox mode selector button by gearlever flases orange) syndrome on a
    couple of occasions. It seems to happen when we are on the freeway
    traveling at about 70mph. It just comes on without any warning and the
    garbox still operates fine. Can select each individual gear, box
    changes up and down smoothly. Engine runs nicely to red line before
    changing up in sport mode.

    I have searched the forum and notice that the PNP switch is often the
    cause of this problem, however I note that many people seem to have
    problem getting into top gear when the symptoms are dispayed - I do
    not have this issue. I have tried rapidly moving the gear lever
    through its positions in an attempt to see if the PNP contacts need
    cleaning but this makes no difference.

    If I disconnect the battery for a few hours then re-connect the
    flashing arrow will disapper. It is a very irregular problem. Has
    happend 3 times in last 4 month, with about 300 to 500 miles in betwen
    occurences.

    I am quite happy to have a go at replacing the PNP switch, there are
    very detailed instructions at Bay 13. However, since the gearbox
    itself is not malfunctioning I wonder if anyone has any advice on
    whether it is likely to be PNP switch or could it be something else. I
    don't have the OBD codes as here in Australia you have to pay $50 to
    $100 just to get them read.

    Any suggestions greatfully received.

    Chris in Sydney (a lovely 25 degrees C today)
     
    Oxbucks, Apr 2, 2010
    #1
  2. Read the codes. They will tell you what to replace.
     
    Stephen Henning, Apr 2, 2010
    #2
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