PNP switch removal
 

Hello I have a 1996 850 T5 with an autobox. I am trying to get the PNP switch off to clean it & I have hit a problem with getting the wiring connector apart. I have watched 2-videos that say you have to put a penknife down the back to push the retainer in & pull it up at the same time. I think after several attempts that I have jammed the retainer, so it wont budge. I don't want to try to dismantle the PNP switch in situ as the springs & contacts could fall out, also undoing the screws that hold it together is proving impossible without finding a way to hold the switch down while I try to turn the slightly rusted screws. What I need to know is it possible to disconnect the other 2-sets of wires that come out of the 3-way connector & are connected directly to the top of the gearbox. Then I could remove everything as a unit without dismantling the 3-way connector & work on it on my bench.
Any help or advice always appreciated.

Could you simply cut the wires, remove the switch and then once it's on the bench attend to it's rebuild, and then re-join the wiring once it's ready to go back?

Jack

Thanks Jack, but I am always a bit wary of cutting through wiring harness wires, not sure I can do a good enough repair, but I might look into doing that if all else fails.

I think you need a thinner blade on the knife. If it's only to move the tab sideways it should be an easy move. Penknife blades often have a thick and thin edge and that's not what you need.

Mate I wouldn't bother if your trying to repair that fault you asked about on your previous thread.
You've more than likely got a knackered solenoid on the valve body.
Stick around here long enough and you will come across all sorts of laughable advice from some that wouldn't know one end of a spanner from the other.
Have you read your codes before you waste your time and possibly break that switch.Best part of a £100 if you do.
You can test that switch in situ without any tools.
That switch is basically only for cranking in gear protection.
Does the car crank in Park ? Yes or No ( Yes move to next)
Does the car crank In Neutral ? Yes or No (Yes move to next)
Does the car crank in Drive ?yes or no (No move to next)
Does the car crank in Reverse yes or no ( No well done nothing wrong with swich)
You car has sat for a while and the valve body has got jammed
My money is on.

PNP Switch
 

Thanks Rudi
Before I stripped it all down to try & get the PNP switch out, the gerbox seemed to be working ok. I had only tried to crank it in the Park pos. so I dont know about any other position. Where is the solenoid you are referring to, is it any easier to fix?
I live in Bristol too, if you are passing & could point at something that would be a great help & worth a beer

If it's a solenoid it is on the valve body which is inside the box.
You need to read the codes as your just going on guess work.
Autoboxes aren't a diy item really.
I wouldn't be much help if I called round.Why not take it to Bristol transmissions for a proper diagnosis.

Thanks Rudi
I should get the codes read, I was trying to avoid paying a Volvo dealer a ridiculous fee just to read them off. I might try Bristol Transmissions though.
Cheers

Don't bother with the dealer they wouldn't know how to repair it.
They would simply diagnose it as faulty (no ****) and quote you several grand bill to fit a replacement box.

Auto Transmission warning light
 

Well Rudi I didn't pull the PNP switch apart, I reassembled everything & did the checks you suggested: Does it crank in Park & neutral ...yes it did Did it crank in Drive & reverse...no it didnt. The reversing lights come on in reverse too. So I took it for a test run, all gears seem to be changing sweetly, but about 3-miles out on the ring road upto about 60, the arrow started flashing again! I hadn't tried putting it in cruise control . So I read the codes when I got back and got 1:2:2 Break in Solenoid S1 circuit. So looks like you were right. I will take it to Bristol Transmissions & see what they can do.