Hi,
I'm posting this for a friend I'm trying to help. He has a 1992 960. The transmission has been shifting poorly and it frequently pops itself into winter mode. I have not looked at the car yet, but I will tomarrow. I'm not familiar with the 960s becuase I have a 240. I will check the transmission fluid first, but where should I go from there and how do you do the other checks. Thanks a lot.

Charles 1985 245ti

It very likely is the PNP switch(gear position sensor), a part that commonly fails. When your friend is experiencing the symptoms the WSE lights flash and a code is set. Next time have your friend turn the car off but leave the key in the ignition and move the gear shift back and forth about 20-30 times through the full range of gears. This can clean the contacts of the switch for a little while. If this works then the switch needs to be replaced asap, eventually the car will not start because the computer cannot sense if the selector is in park.

DanR 94 964 226,000 miles
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DanR

I have a '94 960 with an AW43 transmission. Few months ago the WSE lights started blinking together with the orange arrow sign on the dashboard. Since then I can only start in a sort of "winter drive" only (think directly from 3rd gear) and I lost the 'kick back' mode when trying to overtake at higher speed.

I went to the only Volvo service available at the moment in Romania (yes, by the way I am Romanian) and the tech guys had a look, read some codes, scrached their heads and came up with "we are not sure as to what is actually causing the problem, probably need to replace the transmission computer, that will cost you about 1000euros and min 3months for spare delivery"...

I had since browsed the internet, found this site, replaced the PNP sensor (gear position sensor) with a brand new one shipped by a friend in Sweden (for only ~100euros+P&P by the way) unfortunately it did not cure the problem.

Would it be possible to give me some further tips on this problem?

Thank you in advance,
Costa

Hi.I have same problem.the code said it's "speed"sensor,put new one-same problem.now code shows shifting solenoid-about $250usd.not shure i'll do it..

It is possible that you did need the new PNP switch after all, sometimes on the installation if the mechanic does not have the Volvo alignment tool there is some trial and error to get the switch in the correct postition. Hopefully that is all that is needed.

The problem could also be a corroded connection somewhere. Maybe at one of the control modules or the big connection on the drivers side front wheel hump. It seems I have to chase at least one bad connection every year and now that connector is the first place I go to.

Another maintence item is to regularly clean the grounding connections under the hood to the engine and the body.

If this does not help, start a new thread with as much info that you can and others much more capable will have other ideas.

Good Luck

DanR 94 964 227,000 miles
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DanR