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Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

posted by  kcookvt on  Tue Jan 21 20:17 CST 2014
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last visit: Tue Aug 5 19:59 CST 2014
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On my '98 V70 AWD (166K miles), the shift arrow is flashing, as are the "Sport," "Economy," and "Winter Mode" lights. The transmission seems to be shifting OK through all four gears and the car is driving well. Any thoughts on how what might be wrong or I should proceed? The manual says I should take it to the dealer, which I would really like to avoid. Oh, and could the extreme cold (-10F) or a new driver (my daughter may have been "punching it") have any impact?

Thanks, as always








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    Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

    posted by  KlausC on  Tue Jan 21 21:11 CST 2014
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    Don't blame your daughter, yet. Try rowing the shifter R to L about 20 times with the engine off and see if the light goes out. If it does, it will need a new PNP switch.

    Also check the ATF color and see if it is dirty.

    Remind your daughter that she must NOT shift to R or D if the wheels are moving even an inch. The tranny and mounts will not like that and disintegrate.







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      Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

      posted by  kcookvt on  Wed Jan 22 06:16 CST 2014
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      last visit: Tue Aug 5 19:59 CST 2014
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      Will do. Thanks Klaus. Had the transmission fluid replaced 5 years/54K miles ago. What should the interval be for this service? I cannot find it anywhere, and Volvo seems to think it never needs doing.

      I replaced the PNP switch about 1 1/2 years ago (reverse lights were not working). (I have to admit I was pretty proud of myself for that one!)








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        Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

        posted by  KlausC on  Wed Jan 22 10:31 CST 2014
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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        You could drive it to an autoparts store and have the codes read. Some generic code readers will not report on tranny codes. The flashing arrow is normally the result of the tranny computer telling the engine computer to set a code.

        It could possibly be the ABS module failing to process the speed signal and passing it along to the tranny. Generic scanners do not report on ABS, but the ABS light might come one.

        I just check the ATF every 20K miles or so and if it looks dirty, it gets flushed. Going by miles alone is not a good thing, especially if there is a lot of highway miles - it is stop and go that creates the wear.







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          Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

          posted by  kcookvt on  Wed Jan 22 12:22 CST 2014
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          last visit: Tue Aug 5 19:59 CST 2014
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          The arrow was flashing again this morning all through my commute to work. When I arrived, with the engine off, I rowed through the gears (R-L) as you suggested, turned off the key, turned it back on, and the arrow was still flashing. I took the car to go to lunch, though, and no more flashing. DO you think I need a new PNP switch, even though the one I installed is only about 16 months old, or might there be another reason. I am tempted to just wait until it happens again (and try the same fix), but I don't want to do damage. How important is the PNP switch? What does it do? I replaced it before because the reverse lights were not coming on, but they are still working.








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            Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

            posted by  KlausC on  Wed Jan 22 13:39 CST 2014
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            last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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            Wait. If the upshift arrow comes on again and blinks, shift it yourself from L and 3 so there is less damage to the torque converter. The 'limp home' mode will probably have you starting off in 3rd from a stop.

            Verify that the ABS light is not on. Check to make sure the bulb works when you turn the key to position II.

            If you replaced the PNP switch with a good one, it should last for 10 years. But...

            Check for codes the next time this happens.







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              Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

              posted by  kcookvt on  Wed Jan 22 14:59 CST 2014
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              Thanks again, Klaus! Finally, the transmission fluid does look dirty; should I change it? I have heard stories, one from the guy who teaches auto shop at the local tech center, that changing the fluid could actually do more harm than good. Your thoughts?








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                Shift arrow flashing V70-XC70

                posted by  KlausC on  Wed Jan 22 20:13 CST 2014
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                last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
                [RELATED]

                Only if you use a machine to flush it. Either drain the sump 3 times or use the hose flush method with 12 quarts. It will not harm the tranny if done correctly.






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