Hi, new to the forum. I tried looking through the thread to see if anyone else was having my problem but it became way too daunting. Forgive me.

I've only ever owned 2 volvos. One was an 88 and was perfect, the second one has been not so much a dream. I bought it in Seattle and before I got it home the car died and ever since I've been having problems. I've finally got the car fixed for the most part so now it starts and wont die when I switch gears. I recently had the transmission flushed but now the problem is with the gears. It's a 95 850 automatic and when I put it in dive it wont get out of first gear. I've been reading that it may be stuck in 'winter' mode but, it happens every single time I turn my car on. Without fail if I put it into drive I can't go over 20 miles and hour. However, when I put the car in 3rd gear. It shifts perfectly. I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I can/should do. I'm 22 years old and on my own in Washington and really can't afford to put anymore money into this thing. I just needed a car to get me back to work and I've already spent more than 500 (in addition to what I paid him for the car) which has left me broke. Can I continue to drive my car in 3rd and just say to hell with drive or should I really get this looked at? Thank you!

 

I wonder if your PNP switch is going bad?
Have you pulled the codes from the box under the hood?
Are you getting the flashing up arrow light come on at all?

 

PNP or tcu...

 

yea like mad matt asked do you see flashing arrow. its likely the PNP brother.this is how it looks like this. the first link shows you how the pnp switch looks like and the second link shows the tutorial on how to replace it.l learnt that it is fairly easy to replace and save you money. if you are handy you can give it a shot

Neutral Safety & Reverse Light Switch

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

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I have some new developments. I drove my car around today and like I said I've been driving it in 3rd since it wont shift in drive. I usually start in drive and when it doesn't up **** I just switch to 3rd but today it started shifting. I will look into the PNP switch. I appreciate the help and speedy reply. I felt so confident in my other volvo and with this one I'm just totally at a loss!

 

If it is your PNP switch let me know. I have an iPd PNP switch that's still new in the box that I don't need. I'll sell it to you for really cheap.

Where in WA are you?

 

Hey Mad Matt, I actually live in Bremerton, I wont know until I get paid next week to figure out if it's the PnP switch. But can I let you know then? You can email me @ lynnettewhygle@gmail.com

 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Like Matt's first post asked, have you read the codes on the OBD-I ports? That will likely tell you.

I wouldn't hesitate driving the car around in 3rd. No big deal unless you spend most of your time on the highway at 70mpg. Even then it's not that big a deal because RPM's should be under 3,500.

 

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