Hi

Well its been one of those days!! For the last two Weeks or so, my car which was only purchased a couple of Months ago has been going into limp home mode every Morning on the way to work. You have probably seen my message which was posted a few days ago. So anyway, I thought I'd put it into the dealers for a check-up today and was hoping that they would identify the PNP as being faulty. What a horrible surprise I got when the Volv dealer reported that it has an intermittent internal fault, and needs to be replaced with a re-manufactured transmission.

The price to replace comes to approx £3260 sterling, but It was highlited that the price quoted does include the labor and tax. What a bargain- NOT! Especially, when I've seen many people reporting on this board and others that the normal rate in the States is about 2200 dollars for the same thing. Can you believe the difference?

I'm currently thinking about fixing the car with a couple of cans of gas and a match (joke), or perhaps If I calm down I might just try a PNP switch as a last resort. Do you really think the PNP is worth a try or is this just a waste of money. These Volvo guys know their stuff right?

Appreciate your comments..

This is just a quick message to let you know that I appreciate all the suggestions and advice you have given me. This board and the people on it are the best!

I have tried shuffling the gear stick backwards and forwards but unfortunately in my case this makes no difference.

Currently I'm talking to the used car dealer who sold me the car, so lets just hope all goes well.

I will also make the suggestion to the dealer that we try changing the PNP and I'll let you know the outcome..

Thanks again everyone..

The main reason these days is PNP switch BUT years ago when 850s were new, all that got that code use to get 2 solenoids (S1,S2) replaced and those are attached to the valve body. To replace those, one needs to lower the left side of the subframe and remove the trans pan (front of trans).
In my years of experience, I have never replaced a trans because of that code in itself UNLESS there's more to the story, like it's slipping and noisy.
Assuming it still shifts OK when not in "limp home mode" (codes cleared), try a new PNP switch and trans fluid flush if the fluid's dirty before going further.
On the other hand, if it's slipping and making noise, it's likely to need a reman trans but that job's only $2,350 at our US dealership. The trans runs about $1600 and 10 hours labor.

Much like everyone else here, I would recommend you invest in replacing your PNP switch before you invest in such an expensive replacement. Flushing the tranmission would be good also.

At the very least get a second opinion, which was also suggested.

Strenght in numbers =)
--
Brandon
95 854T 92k
Pictures =)

See:

http://www.brickboard.com/ARCHIVES/2000DEC/10054290.shtml

for good info on code 322 from Rich K.

(found on google.com searchin on "code 3-2-2 volvo transmission".)

If you are mechanically inclined, thoroughly flush you transmission using the technique provided on Volvospeed.com Bay 13. Flush through 12 quarts or so of Dextron III. If you can find it in the UK, add one bottle of Lube Gard (you can also order it from their web site at http://www.brake-noise.com/) transmission additive. Then, Replace the PNP switch. I would do this before let any dealer yank out my tranny. Good luck!
--
1999 S70 T5

Apparently the PNP gives off another error code. Check out this site.

I still think it's worth a second opinion with a Volvo specialist.

http://www.volvospeed.com/Repair/pnpswitch.htm

Although the 313 is the most common code for PNP switch, a defective PNP switch CAN also cause a 322 code as well.

When our PNP switch failed I read various codes from the system
(a 1995 855 GLT). None of them matched the codes commonly reported
here or on Bay 13. But, the symptoms did match (problem seen on
cold morning; flashing up arrow; turn off engine and turn back
on would clear problem til next cold morning; etc.).

So, the symptoms may be as important as the codes.

There was a case reported here where the dealer said replace th
tranny but the owners extended warranty 'people' wanted the PNP
switch replaced first. The PNP replacement fixed the problem.
So, the dealers don't always get it right.

You'll see that this is a seasonal problem. Cool weather tends to bring this problem out. I've read that you can clean the contacts on the PNP switch by shifting the transmission from Park-Drive about 25+ times. This can help for a while but you'll eventually have to change the PNP switch.

Lousy and/or unscrupulous mechanics work as at dealerships too.

Take it to an independent volvo mechanic for a 2nd opinion.