So it's snowing pretty hard in MN (4+ inches so far, supposed to be at least 12" by Monday), and earlier I was trying to get up my driveway (it's pretty long), and I couldn't get up at all because it's slippery/long.

So what I did was I backed up to gain momentum but I was spinning for a while before my wheels actually caught. As I was moving, suddenly my limp mode came on (flashing "shift mode" lights).

I got these flashing transmission lights a couple months back when it was snowing also...I don't remember exactly what I did back then, but I was messing around w/ the winter mode a little bit and switching between the different settings and the light last came on. However, it eventually went off on its own.

So question.
1. Is it possible ot throw out your transmission? (I tried to get up quite a few times, and I was either spinning in snow/pavement (my driveway).
2. If I experienced these problems before, and they went away, It's most likely not the PNP right?

 

Have the codes pulled.
You might have overheated the transmission.

 

Copied from my thread at Volvo Speed

So I flipped the key a couple times and it went away...

But what do you know......The CEL is back just like last time. I'll read the code again and see what it says...

Edit: Same as last time. 3-1-1 Missing RPM signal. (The Crankshaft Position sensor problem (If there really is one...))

Last time I cleared the code/mechanic cleared it, and it didn't come back. I think my OBD-I is kind of messed up (I can read codes, but if I want to hold the button and erase them, the light comes on immediately). Imma use an OBD-II reader at Checkers and erase this...

 

The computer might have thrown that code once overheated and maybe even slipped.
It uses the flywheel sensor/Cam sensor/ and ABS sensor to compair engine and transmission speed.

 

Hello Jimmy,

Greetings from Vermont.

I'm not sure why the person at vspd guaranteed his reply, unless he is a Volvo dealer tech. With modern cars, a technician usually cannot guarantee a guess, unless he/she actually works on it (unless if it was Tech)

I assume your CEL comes on about 2-3 secondsafter starting the engine. This happens when there is (are) code (s) in the tranny ECU. Try resetting it via OBD-I, but I am not sure which socket was for the tranny ECU, as I packed up Haynes in a box when I moved from Chicago to Vermont (2-day driving in a Penske truck). If not, visit a local AutoZone, if there's any, and have it cleared via OBD-II but make sure to tell them that even though your 850 is pre-'96, it does have OBD-II DLC receptacle in front of the shifter, right under the coin holder.

If the same code comes back, see if the electrical connector to the sensor is clean & tight. If the problem persists, the sensor may be faulty but test it to make sure. Also, try shifting manually, if the car wants to stay in the limp mode. You will not damage anything by shifting manually, unless you shift it like crazy or abuse it.

Also, I would try flushing/replacing the fluid with synthetic-type, it may or may not solve the problem but it is a cheap alternative. If you don't have a flush kit, have it done at a dealer/specialised shop. Also, double-check on the fluid level. A low fluid, as little as a half quart, can sometimes trigger some codes.

Keep us updated.


JPN

 

^I can't seem to clear the code using the OBD-I. I hold the butotn, and the light comes on immediatly. It's supposed to come on in about 6 seconds, in which I press it again...

However, I got it cleared today at Checkers. Funny thing is, I was an idiot before and Volvo doesn't need a special "head". The OBD-II is actually hidden behind the coin holder (I've never even seen/heard of a coin holder)...

However, the generic scanners can't read the codes. As I was scanning, I noticed a bunch of different checks (o2 sensor, etc) couldnt' be read by the scanner they had at Checkers.

 

Try cleaning the connections for the button on the OBD I.

 

Hello Jimmy,

The local AutoZone in Chicago used a Scantron's CP9175 scanner (approx $180 for sale), which was able to retrieve the tranny codes, as well as clearing/resetting it. And after I added a half quart of Dexron-III/Mercon, the tranny never complained.

Cheaper scanners are really limited in what they can do, but even the top-end models still don't read A/C codes, etc... At this point, a lap-top conversion unit may be better than a hand-held scanner.....

Listen to Tech and see if you can give it another try. That button indeed has some funny feel to it.


JPN