My volvo 02 s40 was running ok and suddenly when I was parking in my drive way today My arrow started flashing and my engine light came on? It seemed really odd.i tried to get the arrow off by pressing the wintermode button but nothing happened, it stayed on flashing..... I changed the gear to reverse and the car somewhat jerked... I put it in drive and it jerked again?/ What is causeing this? What can I do to fix this.....
I hope the tranny is not slipping or going bad? Please help.

 

The flashing Arrow means codes in the system.

You need to have the codes pulled.

 

i pulled the codes from my scanner and p0705 and p0700 came up which were transmission codes. are these codes you are familiar with?

 

Not really but might be a bad PNP switch.

 

whats the pnp switch and is it easy to replace and cheap?

 

The PNP switch is mounted on the top of the Transmission. It tells the computers what position the Transmission is in.

Some what easy to replace but a little on the expensive side for the switch.

 

Sometimes the W button gets stuck and you need to remove the plastic panel pieces surrounding the shifter and clean the button housing. Read below.

I got this gem from a Volvo specialist. $50 spent so YOU don't have to.

P0700 (Generic transmission code) - Again no symptoms. No problems shifting. No problems with rear lights. Up arrow flashing light appears but again, no transmission issues. No limp mode.
Option 1: Remove battery for an hour to clear code.
Option 2: PNP switch replacement or cleaning
Option 3: Tranny replacement
Option 4: Shifter row. I rowed the shifter while the key was in Position II. This did nothing.

SOLUTION: This one was the one that I was really pissed about. If you don't have any shifting or obvious tranny problems or reverse light problems, look at the W button next to the shifter. Mine was stuck slightly and thus, triggering the code and the flashing arrow. Maybe I searched wrong, but I didn't see this mentioned anywhere on volvoforums or matthews.

To fix, you slide the plastic, polka dotted piece in front of the shifter. Squeeze the two clasps on the plastic piece under and slide off. Next, unclasp the plastic piece that holds the shifter. Use some contact cleaner, some canned air and clean around the button. Make sure the car is off. Take the W piece off, by unplugging it from its green electrical connection socket, and clean with clean towel. Put everything back together and make sure the W button goes up and down with ease.

That was it. Again, if you have no obvious tranny problems, look for this sticky W button. If I have time, I'll post pics.

 

Thank you for taking the time to post a solution. I've also found the sticking shifter button to be attributed to a need for lube. Many times due to stuff dripping down from the cup holder. Sounds like this area needs attention too.

 

I had an identical experience yesterday as the OP with my 2000 S40. Out of the blue, Check Engine light and flashing Arrow. Drove fine.


I cleared the flashing arrow by simply opening and closing the fuel cap. However the CEL remains on. Getting sick and tired of this car.