Hi,

My 1996 Volvo 850 (with 420,000km) just started lighting upALL of the dash 'service' lights (parking brake on, abs, service light, etc...) intermittently while driving. They would flicker on (stay on for a few seconds) then shut off and turn on again... this happened the entire time I was driving. Sometimes, it would be a minute or two before they would ALL turn on again, then shut off after a few seconds.

Then, as I was driving (with these lights flickering off and on), my transmission decides to shift into WINTER MODE and then stays locked in it until I stop the car.

I shut off the car, went to start the car,but the starter wouldn't even click.I would just be able to turn it all the wayto the point when it SHOULD HAVE BEEN on, but it wasn't. After a few tries of this (and with my driver door open), myVOLVOKEYLESS ENTRY ALARMcomes on!!!!

I tried taking the key out, and using the remote to unlock and lock the car, as well as the lock/unlock button on the dash (to the left of the steering wheel).

Thankfully after around 40 seconds, the alarm stopped not sure why really then after I locked it with my keyless remote (and walked away), the hazard lights stayed lit for another minute or so after. Then they shut off.

My mechanic said that some BMW's exhibit that type of problem when the alternator is bad...


Hmmm.......... What is going on??

 

I had a similar problem, turned out to be the alternator

 

Thanks for your response.

Well,my mechanic tested the battery AND the alternator and they both tested fine!!!

He said there may be a defective/faulty diode, but it tested fine for him!

Any other thoughts???

 

Try to jiggle the key and see if things change. The electrical portion of the ignition switch is a high failure rate item on these cars and they tend to actpossessed like the symptoms you describe when they go bad.

The good news is that it is a fairly cheap part and it is a snap to fix.

...Lee