I have a 94 850 with auto tranny...my reverse lights are not working on either side-i replaced both bulbs and checked the fuse and i'm told it's a sensor that kicks on when R is engaged. any help on the part or how to replace? i'm fairly saavy, but have not repair manual....thanks!

chris

 

The reverse lights not working is usually a sign of a failing PNP switch. Try rowing the shifter back and forth from low to park, quickly, about 20 times and see if they start to work again. PNP problems get worse in cold weather and ultimately it can fail in a mode where the car will not start and/or you get the flashing up arrow on the instrument panel which signifies that the car is in limp home mode.

...Lee

 

+1

 

Lee,

THANK YOU FOR REPLYING! However, I tried that and the end result was the blinking up arrow that you mentioned. After I backed out of my driveway, I was in limp-home mode so I pulled over and turned the car off for about 5 min and then started it up again (however this took a few tries and it usually does not, even in very cold Northeast US weather lately)the transmission was back to normal (no more limp mode) but the arrow was still blinking. It otherwise drove fine BUT the reverse lights still don't switch.

Do you know how to replace the switch you suggest or point the way to them somewhere if you know of them? I'm not even familiar with what/where you speak of.

Thanks again!

 

Here is a decent writeup on changing the switch:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/pnpswitch.php

Here is a clever way to align it after the new one is installed:

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...ic.php?p=57963

The part runs around $140.00 (there is a Scan Tech aftermarket part available for around $85.00 but i wouldn't trust it).

http://www.fcpgroton.com/category-ex...136/by_year/44

When my son's PNP acts up it the arrow won't go off until I reset it with the OBD-II reader.

...Lee