Was looking at a nicely maintained '99xc with 117k, and just near the end of my test drive, I get the arrow accompanied by the Ck Eng light - no other obvious symptoms anything's wrong.

Stopped the car, it restarted fine, but continued to display the lights?

Since I was seriously considering buying the car, I was wondering - what's the worst and best case scenarios here?

I had the the followin symptoms at one time or another.
ABS and Tracs indicator on.
Brake and Flasing Arrow indicator and Speedometer/Odometer failure.
Check Engine.

I removed the ABS Controller. Opened it up and reflowed some bad solder connections. (Solder joints for the Connector pins to PCB)

Replaced and sealed cover and reinstalled. Problem solved.

I decided, thanks to all your advice, to pass this one up.

Got lucky - another virtually identical V70XC with slightly lower mileage and no glaringly obvious problems came along, so I bought it.

Worst case? Transmission rebuild required. Deduct $3,000 from the purchase price. Not a good sign. Avoid if possible.

I've had the same problem recently in addition to all manner of other error indications. Tech said the flashing arrow is an indication of being in limp home mode due existing fault conditions. So far the left front tach and the ignition switch have been replaced and they claim it's fixed. We shall see.

Best case: PNP switch go bad. Worst case: current owner needs to take it to Autozone and find out what the codes are. Tranny may be suspect, as well as owner. Find another XC.

Klaus
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(1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)