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Intermittent Speedometer 850

posted by  pjf on  Fri Jul 3 07:53 CST 2009
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last visit: Tue Jul 14 04:49 CST 2009
[RELATED]

I've a speedometer problem on my daughter's 1996 850 Turbo wagon. The speedometer works upon start up and continues to work for 5-10 minutes then it abruptly stops working as if it looses the signal or power. When the speedometer quits, the odometer also quits. I bought a used instrument cluster and replaced it and have the same problem. If I shut off the car, then start it, the speedometer works and the sequence repeats itself as described.

The car currently has a problem with the ignition switch and I will be replacing it very soon. I must wiggle the key up and down in the slot to trip the tranny micro switch so it can be put in gear.

The wiggling does not bring the speedometer back to life once it quits thus I am lead to believe that the switch and the speedometer are not related. Also, all the other items in the cluster work, no ABS lights or other warnings. Check Engine Light is on; it often has been on this car.

I can sure use the help on this one, she's home for the summer thus the Volvo repair season starts for me.

Thanks and have a great holiday!







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    Intermittent Speedometer 850

    posted by  KlausC on  Sun Jul 5 16:16 CST 2009
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    Slow down!!!

    Take the plastic clamshell off the steering column. You will notice a cable going to the rear of the keyed portion of the lock. That cable is the tranny lock. Put a drop of oil (not WD40) on the end of the cable and work it back and forth a little until it moves freely.

    Stop by an auto parts store and get the codes read!!! The CEL is on for a good reason. Find all of the codes, including the one for the spped signal missing.

    You just might be in need of a repaired ABS module. Check the warning lights when you turn the key to ON, some might be burned out.

    Klaus
    --
    Common sense trumps a PhD








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      Intermittent Speedometer 850

      posted by  pjf on  Sun Jul 12 10:06 CST 2009
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      last visit: Tue Jul 14 04:49 CST 2009
      [RELATED]

      Thanks for the response Klaus. I got the codes read and it looks like I have to investigate vacuum leaks as the codes are P0170 and P0440. No speedo code though. Now I did notice while driving her car that if the car started and I did not have to jiggle the key to put it in drive, the speedo worked the entire time I was driving it. Prior to that, if the key needed to be jiggled, the speedometer did not work. Now it gets confusing as after it started working and I made my astute observation, I tried starting it and needed to jiggle the key to get the tranny to unlock and the speedometer worked and didn't fail in its previously observed time frame.

      I am going to replace the ignition switch. It would be nice if that fixed the speedometer too but I'll not hold my breath. Now I got to get to those vacuum leaks.

      Thanks again.








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        Intermittent Speedometer 850

        posted by  KlausC on  Sun Jul 12 11:04 CST 2009
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        The P0170 is fairly easy, look for leaks around the intake manifold, including the intake manifold gasket. The worst for turbos is the elbo under cyl #1. Non turbos can develop a leak between the air box and throttle body, the accordian section developing cracks.

        The P0440 is a tough one. That just says that there is a leak somehere between the tank - charcoal cannister - intake manifold. Which also includes the solenoid under the radiator shroud and the oneway vacuum valves. Lots of investigation with very little guideance.

        When you have the shroud off the steering column, make sure the cable at the end of the keylock moves easily. Use a drop of oil, not WD40, to lubricate it.

        Remember, the PNP switch has the speedo signial running through it. Turn the ignition on and put the selector in R. If the backup lights do not come on, replace the PNP.

        Klaus
        --
        Common sense trumps a PhD








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          Intermittent Speedometer 850

          posted by  pjf on  Mon Jul 13 13:22 CST 2009
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          last visit: Tue Jul 14 04:49 CST 2009
          [RELATED]

          Klaus,
          Thank you very much; I genuinely appreciate your help. I have a very dumb question: PNP switch, is it the tranny micro switch? If not, what is it? I am not all that familiar with Volvos but am learning now that my daughter has graduated from college and the economy is such that there is not currently a great demand for commercial building Interior Designers; the 850 will live in our drive for a while. I am pretty good with BMW's, Alfas, and VW's (air and diesel). That said, I've not heard of the PNP switch.

          Another symptom this car has is that the cruise control does not work. It abruptly quit last winter. I've not yet checked the switch at the brake pedal but perhaps all of these maladies are related.

          I did the Volvo timing belt this last spring and I was really impressed on how straight forward these Swedes do things. Now that I've done one, I bet I could do it again in about 2-3 hours; water pump included.

          Thanks and I'll get my Volvo-partner-daughter to assist with the diagnosis.

          Pete
          Williamsburg, VA








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            Intermittent Speedometer 850

            posted by  KlausC on  Mon Jul 13 16:59 CST 2009
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            last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
            [RELATED]

            PNP is Volvoese for park/neutral switch. Different from the micro switch under the center console, the PNP tells the ECU if the selector is in park or neutral. And it also regulates the backup lights. The PNP switch is located close to the battery, covered by the air intake tube.

            I suggest finding a Haynes manual for the 850. It covers quite a few good things. Also down load this:
            http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8018

            And volvospeed has a good section on repairs also.
            -----------------------------------

            The curise control needs to have a speedometer to work, that could be related so fix that last.
            The speedo signal is also routed through the ABS controller. Verify that the ABS light works when you turn the key to pos II. 1996 and newer Volvos have soldering problems with the ABS module and can be repaired.

            Klaus
            --
            Common sense trumps a PhD







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