Volvo 850 Made from 1993 to 1997, this Volvo line was available in both a wagon and a sedan, both with were graced with several trim levels.

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Old Feb 14, 2005 | 11:59 PM
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Default Flashing arrow

Hi,

Everytime I press the "winter buton" or when I put my shifter in the "L" position, an orange arrow start flashing and it won't stop until a few days. Sometimes, I caanot stop the car from making those controlled slow starts. Any ideas what this could be?

Thanks!
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 01:04 AM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

The PNP switch might be bad or out of adjustment.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 01:28 AM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

Is the PNP switch easily adjustablefor someone who doesn't know what he's talking about? [sm=dontgetit.gif]
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 02:59 AM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

The PNP switch is the park neutral position switch.It is located on the transmission where the cable goes onto the transmission.There is 2 screws that hold it into place you can loosen them and adjust it.Have you tried to pull codes yet?If you have the plug inside alot of AUTO PARTS stores pull codes for free.You can try that and see what they tell you.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 03:33 AM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

I haven't read the codes yet. I will do that tomorow. I found a bit of info on www.volvospeed.com/Repair/pnpswitch.htm and it looks like it's not to accessible. They suggest to errase to code and than to move the shift lever from "P" to "L" rapidly 15-20 times. I'll try that and let you know.

Thanks!
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 10:04 AM
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Thats sounds like a plan let me know how it goes.
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 07:23 PM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

I did what's written above and now everything seems to be working find. I can use the Winter mode and put my shift lever on "L" and it works. The arrow doesn't flash. The only thing that happened is that just after I did the (P to L 20 times), I moved the car a few meters and while I was on "D" and wasn't moving, the engine stopped without hesitaion. Just like if I turned off the key. I had no problems to start it back and I went for a 30 min ride and had no problems. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
 
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Old Feb 15, 2005 | 09:48 PM
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May just be a freak thing keep an eye on it and see if it happens again.If so then let me know and we will work through this.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2005 | 01:42 AM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

Very good. It's a chance to have you arround. By curiositity, what's your car?[sm=burnout.gif]
 
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Old Feb 16, 2005 | 01:44 AM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

sorry for the typo, I mean curiosity.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2005 | 10:36 AM
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Actually I don't even own a Volvo.I own an 87 ford mustang lx 5.0 coupe.Working on Volvo's for the last 6 years has been my job.That is why I know so much about them.I have been working on cars for 16 years now.Six of those years have been in a dealer the rest have been little shops or just at home.
 
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Old Feb 16, 2005 | 04:39 PM
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Default RE: Flashing arrow

Interesting! Are you planning on owning one someday or knowing their problems makes you want to stay away from them?
 
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Old Feb 16, 2005 | 05:51 PM
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I would kinda like to own one but a little on the expensive side for me at the moment.They are great cars and would love to own one and make it uniquely my own.I would love to own a 740 turbo or 940 turbo.Or if I can get one cheap enough a 97 850 or 98 S70.Then the fun will begin.I never keep any omf my cars stock.I would try to make it a Sleeper to beat many cars.
 
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Old Aug 26, 2010 | 02:48 PM
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I have the same issue. I just got my 850 auto a few days ago. I tried the winter switch this morning and the flashing arrow started and wouldn't stop. From another website I got this suggestion.

Reset the transmission by making sure you have selected economy and not sport, that the box is in summer setting. Switch off the engine.
then swithch on the ignition without starting the engine. Move the gear selector to drive, back to park, then again, sometimes you need to do this tree or four times. the flashing arrow with switch off. switch off the ignition.
Now start the car as usual, your box should be back to normal and the flashing arrow should be off. If not, try again.
It has worked on all of my cars, four so far.. Jon

That worked for me.
regards
George
 
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Old Nov 7, 2010 | 10:29 AM
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I just had the same flashing arrow and it reset fine using the above method. Thanks!

PS - Also, the green light for the "E" on the "Economy/Sport" switch was blinking, but that has reset too. I just wanted to mention it for anyone else searching for this info.
 

Last edited by ycartf; Nov 7, 2010 at 10:39 AM.
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Old Nov 29, 2010 | 04:35 AM
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Default a little tip

You dont have to move gear selector to erase codes. Just do ignition on and off five times, and the codes are erased.
(But will come on again IF the problems occur).

Just a tip: If you are going mad, and dont have the money to replace the pnp switch, try to carefully hold the automatic gear transmission little more back at D as it is contact problem in cold days..hold it back for a few minutes, then release....
 
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Old Dec 10, 2010 | 08:02 PM
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Smile Flashing arrow

I see this is a relatively old thread but guys, this is a serious issue. Your rear back up lights can stop functioning as well as several other issues. There are some great write ups with pictures at Matthew's Volvo Site and Volvospeed. Your PNP switch may not need replacing as much as a good cleaning.

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...hp?f=1&t=29930

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/for...hp?f=1&t=14758

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

I have a '95 850T. Followed the write up directions and basically just cleaned mine. The old dielectric grease inside was black, and at least one of the copper connectors was stuck back and not even touching the copper guide.

Cleaned it up, greased it up and put it back an everything works great. Took my time with a mechanic friend an took us about 4 hours from start to finish. Didn't even need the special Volvo tool.

If you have the $90-$130 for a new one, that would probably have saved us the hour it took to take it apart and clean it up once removed, by waste the money?
 

Last edited by PerthX; Dec 10, 2010 at 08:06 PM. Reason: added links
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Old Jun 11, 2019 | 07:43 PM
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Default flashing arrow

hi all i have a 94 850 T5 when i received a flashing arrow on my dash. i changed the PNP switch and it went away for a few days then my TCM fried. i have changed the TCM and all good for a couple of hours the flashing arrow again. i cleared all the codes and reset the arrow goes away but comes back after driving for around 5 minutes. car drives great changes gears properly plenty of power although i notice a slight pinging under load. what are you thoughts TIA.
 
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Old Jun 12, 2019 | 06:30 PM
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check out Volvotips.com for a guide on how to read for fault codes from the transmission. you can use the LED connector - just need the correct socket for the jumper. The TCM talks to the ABS as well - any flashing ABS lights?
 
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