Ok, I had the standard problems with the PNP switch - lights flashing so move it back and forth a bunch of times and fixed for a while.

I replaced the switch with a POS (non Volvo brand)switch from FCP, The first time I had it mis-aligned, the reverse lights didnt work and the light would flash unless I pulled the shifter just a little past the reverse notch. This only happened first thing in the morning when the engine was cold. I took everything apart and aligned it dead on, now the reverse lights work, but first thing in the morning I get the flashing lights (arrow on dash)pulling out of the garage. I have to shut it off for a few minutes, move the shifter then it goes away - when the car is driven for even 5 min. everything is fine, no flashing lights when I shift into reverse. I know when I out it back together the second time everything was aligned, is there a secret to aligning it correctly or could this switch just be a huge POS?

I ordered a Volvo switch and will swap them if needed, I'm just wondering if there is some secret method to alignment. I just set the shaft coming out of the tranny to line up exactly with the line on the switch then tightened it down and checked it again.

Brian

 

If it is scan tech we just had one the other day that was bad and acted exactly like you describe.

 

Its supposed to be scan tech, but the switch has another name on it - ranpac or something like that I think. Either way, I'll swap it out with the Volvo if you had a switch doing the same thing that was bad. This will be the 3rd time taking things apart, I bet I can get my time down to a hour start to finish!

 

Thanks for your input.

 

Let me know how it goes with the Volvo one.

 

Hello tech & BriGuy,

I'm having a similar problem and need to pass inspection soon.
My reverse light won't come on, unless I press on the shifter pass reverse.

I have a 5-speed 1998 S70 T-5.

Can someone give me specifics on what I need to do, I've read some postings, but am not sure of how to do this. Do a need a new (PNP) switch.Park Nuetral , or do I just need to adjust it, if so with what special tools.

Where can I get the goodies.

 

I think you'll have to replace the PNP switch. When I did mine I had to pull the battery, battery shelf, air filter box, etc... You can get the PNP switch from FCPgroton, but make sure you get the OEM and not the scantech part, I got the scantech first and it wouldn't even fit. Once the old one comes off, you align the new one which isn't hard and everything should work.

Before this maybe you should try moving the shifter back and forth about 100 times and see if it fixes the problem long enough to get you through the inspection. When mine started going this fixed it for a while.

 

The latest trick I have seen (Man I wish we could use contractions without looking stupid with a double quote) is to set up a mirror behind the car so that you can see the reverse lights. Set the parking brake and (Key on) put the car in reverse. From there rotate the switch and note the position on each extremity that the reverse lights go out. Set the switch dead center in the middle of that range.

...Lee