So, my 96 850's PNP switch is 99% likely to be malfunctioning (it goes into limp mode when starting off sometimes, flashing arrow, check engine light with P0705 code, all the usual stuff) but here's the thing... it drives correctly, and shifts gears correctly.

This may be a silly question but... what's the urgency of a PNP sensor replacement? I can afford it ($150 for OEM through FCP Groton), but I won't have the time to replace it myself for another three weeks. I'm in college, finals are coming up, and I left my garage at home, so until I get back there, I won't be able to do anything with it.

My driving habits are minimal, and can be reduced to almost nothing - a weekly trip for groceries and that's it, if necessary - but I'd like to know what to expect. What other problems come with a broken PNP sensor? As I mentioned, after it warms up it usually works just fine (starting from a stop in first and going through every gear correctly), but I don't want to drive on it and be doing more damage.

Also, my trip home is approx. 300 miles... think that will be problematic, too? I can have it trailered home if necessary...

 

If the PNP goes out completely, you will not be able to drive the car. As far as I know, it will stop shifting gears and you will not be able to drive far.

I would at least order it and have it one hand so god forbid you get stuck, you can replace it or have a shop do it for you.

 

Replce it when you can. the CEL and the flashing arrow become an nuance sometimes, but just learn how to drive without the correct PNP.

 

Dear Tony, did you try and drive it as is ? Did it make it the three weeks or what came of it ??

 

Not sure about Tony's issue but I just helped a guy replace a PNP switch that he had problems with for at least 3 months. He first contacted me in Nov asking to purchase a tranny from me. We got one from the jy for $10. It works great. They are like time bombs.

I drove my bad tranny for 2,500 miles. A good PNP switch but the tranny was bad. I think I could have driven another 50,000 on it. Just annoying driving around in near limp mode. No agressive abilities.

The tranny was bad when I purchased the car in the Boston area. I drove it 1,500 home with no problem. It got better as I drove, I did change the fluid using the 3 drain method.