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I know nothing about fixing a car, so if anyone can help me, please do. My S70 has a flashing arrow light (overdrive light?) and the "check engine" light is, also, on. I took it to the Volvo dealership in Tyler, Texas this morning only to find out that they only take appointments for service now and, it would be mid January before they could get me in. THAT was frustrating!!! I asked them if I could still drive the car, and they stated "I wouldn't take any trips in it". Gee, that helped. Right at Christmas, too.
Anyway, the car seems to drive OK. Gears are shifting fine. No other problems noted. Can anyone give me any advice?
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Hello,
It sounds like the dealer wasn't very helpful. At our dealerhip, we at least try to work in emergencies within a few days. Anyway, about your car. The flashing arrow and check engine light indicate a fault in the TCM (transmission control module). It could be anything from a bad park/neutral position (pnp) switch to a stuck shift solenoid (not overly common). Without seeing any fault codes from the vehicle, I cannot say what you should do. As they suggested, I wouldn't go too far from home with the car. I would try to plea with them to at least pull the codes for you ASAP. Does the car start out in 2nd or 3rd gear? (I know you said it shifts fine, I just want to make sure)Usually, the TCM will go into "limp-home mode" and take off in a higher gear when there is a serious fault stored. I wouldn't drive the car any more than you have to until you have it looked at (at least report back here with any stored codes and we can go from there). I hope this helps...
Joe S. - Volvo Master Technician
2000 S70 AWD, 1981 242 Turbo w/intercooler
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Thanks Joe!
No, it starts in first gear and moves though all gears appropriately. Nervously, I got it up to 70 to make sure that it wasn't sticking in any gear. Everything was fine. I hate to be without a car for the holidays. Volvo has always been super about service. Not sure what was going on today, but I was very disappointed. There is another dealer 2 hours (one way) from here, but I am nervous about getting it there. However, it is tempting not to call for an appointment for January and go somewhere else.
I read on another forum to move the gear shift very fast 15-20 times between R and 1st and that would clear out something? and make the light go out. Didn't work, though. ughghghgh Got a Volvo for dependability and safety. Not feeling it right now, though.
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Autozone or Pepboys can read the code for you for free. Let them do that and let us know what they find. After you write down the code(s), have them reset them. It may not be too serious...let's hope not. Could be the code doesn't come back and the shifting issue was a temporary quirk...though, if it is a REAL PROBLEM, the code(s) will come back as will the shift arrow.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.
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Well, actually, when I was leaving the Volvo dealership, I stopped at two more places. One was a Toyota dealership that stated that they could not do the diagnostics on a Volvo. I then went to PEPBOYS. They stated that they could hook it up for the diagnostics, but it would cost $80 to do that and, if it was the transmission, they wouldn't be able to fix it and I would be stuck still having to pay the $80. I guess I could do that, but it seemed like a waste of money, if they couldn't fix it. Should I try AutoZone?
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I can't believe they're charging for this. By all means, try Autozone. Just don't tell them it's your transmission. They will read all codes you have stored. If they won't do it for free....where do you live? If near me, I'll drive out and meet you and hook up my OBD-II reader myself and read and clear your codes. I'm in Knoxville, TN btw.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon. My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.
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HA! Well, I am in Tyler, Texas, so it would be a little far for you to meet me. I REALLY appreciate the offer, though. I will try AutoZone in the morning and see if they will do it. I will just show them the arrow and see if they will hook it up and give me a reading. I will post again when I get back tomorrow afternoon.
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