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Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

posted by  someone claiming to be Markt on  Wed Nov 22 04:01 CST 2000 [RELATED]

I've seen other posts here recently about the gear position switch. I'm having a problem, and I wonder if this is a symptom of the same problem.

My problem occurs irregularly when the engine is started, maybe once out of every 10 times. The key turns, the DRLs, and idiot lights come on, but when turned to start, nothing happens. It's the same behavior as if the car were not in Park when the starter is engaged. After a little time, and multiple attempts, eventually it will start properly.

With 4K left on the warranty, this will be the dealer's problem to fix, but I was curious whether this was the symptom of the gear position switch. It seems like the car is confused about whether it is in park.

Thanks,

Mark







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    Re: Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

    posted by  someone claiming to be Brandon on  Sun Nov 26 18:12 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    Mark,

    You problem sounds like the PNP switch. After I would get the aarow flashing, and I turned off the engine I would have to wait because the car would not start up right away. Here is something for you to try. Next time this happens get out of your car, take the two cables attached to the battery off hold them together for 15 seconds, Re-attach them and turn the motor. Post back the results.

    Brandon







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      Re: Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

      posted by  someone claiming to be Mark T on  Mon Nov 27 02:28 CST 2000 [RELATED]

      Thanks, Brandon (and others).

      I'll try this suggestion next time this happens.

      In the meantime, I've noticed another odd behavior that I wonder is the same problem, or whether this is a software bug that exists in all 960/90's.

      Prior to starting the engine, move the gear selector out of park. Try to start the engine. Obviously it won't start. Then put the gear selector in park, and try and restart the engine. In mine, it always fails the first time (acting just as it did when it was out of park), but starts on the second attempt with the starter.

      I'm wondering whether these are related, and if this is a way to 'demo' the problem to the dealer. Could one of you try this on yours and report back the results?

      Thanks.

      Mark







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        Re: Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

        posted by  someone claiming to be Brandon on  Mon Nov 27 04:29 CST 2000 [RELATED]

        Mark,

        I tried what you said and I my engine starts up right away the first time I try after I take it out of gear. My guess is that this is part of your problem. If you take the car to volvo I can almost guarentee that they have seen that problem before.

        Brandon







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    Re: Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

    posted by  someone claiming to be Roy on  Fri Nov 24 15:15 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    My '98 S90 always started but upshift arrow flashed along with all shifting mode selector lights. The car was very sluggish and shifted erratically. First time it was the speed sensor, second time, identical symptoms but was diagnosed as the gear position switch. Wish i still had a warranty on this boat anchor. Actually a buyer would be even better.







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    Re: Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

    posted by  someone claiming to be Martin on  Wed Nov 22 09:28 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    Iīve got the same problem. It only occurs when not driven for a while - eg when cold. Test your car like this: first, secure the car by the mechanical brake. When the starter wont respond, keep the key in starting position and move the shifter slightly. Not as far as into R, of course...

    Havenīt got shiftlock on mine but this simple test might work anyway. If the starter responds when you move the shifter, somethingīs wrong in the protection circuit - probably the gear position switch or itīs alignment since the switch controls the P/N starter power.

    Just wish I had that warranty, too...

    /Martin







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    Re: Symptom of Gear Position Switch? S90-V90 97

    posted by  someone claiming to be wbainlookalike on  Wed Nov 22 04:15 CST 2000 [RELATED]

    The shift interlock problem occurs when the brake is pressed but the gear selector will not move out of park. The little button at the back of the shifter has to be pressed to get it into gear. The microswitch needs to be changed for that.

    Your problems sounds different. How many keys do you have dangling from the ignition switch? Lots of keys can be a problem due to the weight.

    More information please.






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