My 960 Sedan started flashing the W and E buttons on the shifter console and the UP arrow on the dashboard this weekend during the blizzard in the Northeast. From reading other info on this forum, it sounds like I may need to replace the Gear Position Sensor PNP Switch (transmission seems to be fine, except I was not able to get it to shift into WINTER mode).

Recently, I have noticed another problem related to startup. On the first start of the day, the car starts up properly, but when I go to do a restart after the engine has been switched off for a brief time, it's a no go (all the dashboard lights come on, but not even a click when I turn the key). If I wait about 10-15 minutes, it will start up right away.

Questions:
1. Can this startup problem be caused by a faulty reading from the gear position sensor?
2. Is is possible a faulty PNP Switch can be responsible for both of these problems?
3. Are there any suggested steps or diagnostics to perform to confirm the problem is a faulty PNP switch?

Any and all responses will be appreciated. Replies can be sent to billvonr@earthlink.net Thanks.

billvonr

Yes, both problems are caused by a failing PNP. Have it replaced ASAP.
Next time it may not start because the computer can't tell if you are in Park or not. As you may know your car will not start in any other position than just "Park".

You can also try (with your engine turned off) shifting from L to P for a couple of minutes. (lots and lots up and down) Some say it cleans the PNP switch somewhat. I've done it to hopefully not need to replace the PNP.

Good Luck,
Esa

Thanks for your quick reply. You are right -- the car will not start now(however, the arrow is no longer flashing on the dashboard). I will try your suggestion of shifting the lever to see if it will clean the contacts. If this doesn't work, is there anyway to get the car started? Otherwise, it will mean a trip to the garage on the hook.

Thanks,
billvonr

You can run a hot wire to the starter solonoid and it will start. Happened to me last year in Conn. after a snow storm. I used a short screw driver to jump the bat. post to the spade terminal to start.
The switch can be cleaned and it will work fine for a long time,I used a little silicone grease when I put it back together.

Your symptoms are classic for a PNP failure. Mine failed exactly the same way, starts cold but another start would not work until car was realy warmed up. Worse on cold mornings. Another symptom is that back up lights may not always work.

Your car is designed to start in Park or Neutral
If stuck I have found that jiggling the shifter back and forth just a bit in the neutral position will usually allow the starter to catch. If all fails you can touch a wire from the battery plus to the small solonoid connector on the starter and it will always start. (make sure you are in P). Until I got around to installing a new PNP switch I carried a wire with alligator clips on each end for just this purpose, used it more than once.
--
David Hunter

If you put the car in Neutral and use your left hand to move the ignition key to the start position and hold it there, while you move the shift lever very slowly forward until the starter engages or very slowly backward until the starter engages.

DEWFPO
--
1998 S90 071,245 and 1995 964 154,100