Hey guys, i'm new to the forum and i'm wondering if anyone could help me with much needed advice. Just bought a '93 850. It ran great on the test drive and the way home, but of course a few days after it started acting up.
The biggest problem right now is with the tranny. It feels like it is in 3 or low when it is in the drive position, and also there is a blinking orange arrow beneath the battery indicator. The car didn't come with a manual so I dont know what this means. Whether it is in econ or sport, the little lights above the switches blink. Does this mean it is in winter mode? And if so how do I get it out.
The next problem is the heater fan(think thats what you call it, its below the glove box). When plugged in, it seems to go too fast and within a few minutes its super heating the fuse till it begins to melt. Also the switch to control he fan doesn't work, nor does the AC. Is it a problem with the control panel, the fan itself or both?

This post is getting a bit long(SORRY) so i'll tell you my minor problems at a future date.

P.S. DOes anyone know an aprox. price for replacing the brakes in the New York area.

 

The flashing arrow means that there is codes in the transmission.You will need to pulle the codes or have them pulled.Follow the link to learn how to pull the codes.
http://www.troublecodes.net/Volvo/

For the heater system do you have Electronic climate control or manual.The electronic has AUT on the Fan switch and the temp control.
The blower motor is pulling to many amps and is most likely bad.The fan resistor is also most likely bad.
The A/C you need to make sure it has freon in the system.The A/C module might also be bad if it is ECC.

 

Thanks for the quick response Tech. Gonna go check everything out now. Might hit you up later with more questions if thats cool. thanks again

 

Just post the quiestions and we will try to answer them for you.

 

What's up tech? I followed the directions and pulled the codes. For both A2 and A6 i got 1-1-1. That means there ok right? But when i started the car the arrow was still blinking. Then the wierd thing is i went back out like a half hour later and the arrow was gone. Don't know what that means. Is there any other tests i can do? Is the technique for diagnosing A1, A3 and A7 the same? The link just had the directions for A2 and A6.

 

Try pulling the codes from A1 that is for the transmission.
It is the same method.

 

Pulled the code for A1 and got 3-1-3. Didn't see that on the list on the link. Also do you know what A3 and A7 are for. For A3 I got 4-4-4 and for A7 I got 2-3-1. That is if they use the same method.

Also the heat system does have AUT. If I replace the blower motor and the fan resistor will the heat work independley without fixing the AC?

 

The 313=gear position sensor signal faulty.Most of the time it is a bad Park Nuetral Position sensor(PNP switch)

A3 Is the ABS 444=No supply to hydraulic unit valves. Not to sure what is wrong there the 1993 has a different ABS module then the newer cars.Try to clear it and see if it comes back.

A7 is for the Combined Instrument panel but I don't see that code.Try clearing it.

 

Thanks for all your help. It seems to be the PNP switch. I was able to clear it, and now the RPMs are back to normal. But now the Arrow is lit steady when I have it in 3 and L, is it supposed to be?

Wasn't able to clear A3 or A7, gonna have to do some more research into that.

Again, thanks alot. I'll try not to bother you to much more.

 

Hi,

If the gear selector is in 3 or L the arrow on the dash will light up. I believe this is normal. By the way, here's a link where you can find a bunch of info on the 850, including the owners manual:

http://www.volvocars.us/_Tier2/Owners/Library.htm

Enjoy!

 

Yes if you are in low or 3rd gear the arrow will stay lit till you put it in drive.

 

It will also display the arrow if it is in the winter mode. There is a button in front of the sport/econ mode

 

Forgot about that one!