"Up" dash arrow is flashing; "W-E-S" buttons are flashing; car is starting out in a high gear.

I PRESUME we're talking about a PNP switch. I reviewed the FAQ's, and I wanted to see if anyone has experienced a different problem when getting the same symptoms as the PNP switch.

If it is in fact the PNP, I'm probably going to have to go to an indie shop to replace it; I dont' have a lift, and I'm very hesitant to start messing with the exhaust, like you apparently have to do when tackling a PNP. I've "rowed" the shifter some, with no improvement. I'm going to try some more; cures it in my 850.

Has anyone had PNP symptoms, but ultimately found it to be something else ? If so, any way to check for it now, short of replacing the switch ?

Ther are three functions in your PNP switch, 1) starter disable unless in P/N, 2) position sensor so the transmission ECU knows what position has been selected and 3) switch for the back-up lights.

From your diescription, "it starts in high gear", it sounds like either the WSE switch module or one of the connectors on the side of the transmission could have a bad connection. The ECU knows there is something wrong electrically or mechanically as the lights are flashing. "Rowing" should have eliminated the PNP as a problem, at least temporarly.
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'96 965, 16' wheels, Michelin Pilot Sports, rear 18mm bar + Koni, 201 HP cams, 129K. Put 200K on '85 745 TD.

ON my 97 (same tranny) when the tranny computer detects a faulty output from the PNP switch 3 things happen:
ESW flash along with the up arrow light on dash.
Tranny defaults to 3rd gear and then shifts to 4th
Stored tranny fault code sets check engine light.

Upon next normal engine start sequence all will be normal except stored code and check engine light remain. After a number of normal "trips" the stored code will reset. The default to 3rd will also occur on the earlier models.

You describe classic symptoms of the PNP switch failure. On my 96 (with OBD2 diagnostics) the stored fault code confirmed it. Not sure if the OBD in 95 and older will throw out that type of code. PNP switch failure is very common and is almost sure to be the problem.

When I changed mine I did not have to drop the exhaust at all, just pried a bit on the cooler lines to move them slightly out of the way.

What kind of reader do you have that will show the transmission codes? My "smart" cable unit to use with my laptop doesn't show those codes unless I just don't know how to read them.
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'96 965, 16' wheels, Michelin Pilot Sports, rear 18mm bar + Koni, 201 HP cams, 129K. Put 200K on '85 745 TD.

Just like with my 850, a bit of the rowing massage and the lights went out. I probably went from Park to Low 50-60 times. Went right out.

The 850's been doing it intermittently for 2 or 3 years now, so if this starts again, I'll just row-row-row......

Hope this helps. I have a 91 945T. I suspected the PNP switch, so, I bypassed it by hooking up a remote starter switch to the starter. Just by luck, I was correct(I am extremely lousy at diagnosing!!) I ended up hardwiring the PNP switch, I was not able to find any at the local junkyards and I think the cost was over $120 online. The obvious risk/danger is that the car will start in gear, not a good thing with an auto.