mfee

Anyone experience a problem with their auto trans mysteriously switching to the " winter mode" . My daughter has a 1992 960 wagon with the auto trans selection switch that allows a " winter mode" operation - which limits the transmission to low gear operation. Mileage is 180 k and for all general purpose looks and runs terrific.

Strangely and without warning the transmission will shift to the " winter mode" while driving at normal speed. Obviously this creates problems that require pulling off the road. Generally if the car is shut down and sits for awhile it will return to normal.

Taking it to the Volvo service - they seem to suggest nothing can be done without opening the transmission ??

Seems to me this is a switch problem that should be able to be either replaced or disabled. She really no longer needs the winter position since she is out of the snow and ice areas.

Anybody have a similar problem ? what was your resolution. Thanks for any tips

mfee

V70

DO NOT let them crack open your transmission.your problem sounds like the PMP switch on the side of your trans.Have them check the codes in the transmission control unit before any work is done but i think you will find that the PMP switch has failed. and on a ending note you might want to find another Volvo repair shop, i can tell you after many years of haveing volvo's NOT all Volvo repair shops have what it takes to fix the real problem, they some times just want to shotgun parts at the car.

mfee

Thanks for the quick reply. Apparently the PMP switch was replaced about two years ago - is it possible that it has gone bad again ? Will the diagnostics verify the switch is bad ?

thanks

mfee

V70

How many miles since the last time it was replaced? was the Switch a NEW or USED part. I dont have my book right hear with me so i can not give you the exact code/codes for the PMP switch. the olny whay your car can go into winter mode is by the PMP switch or the switch right beside the shifter in the car < winter/sport switch> did you check the switch ie: winter/sport. Has there been any thing spiled on it, is it sticky, you can pull that switch out of the console and try to clean the switch with some spray WD40 but if it has to much stuff on the inside it might not come all the way clean. I have seen where there has been coke,OJ,Apple,Coffee, SweetTea, or any other sticky stuff dumped on the switch. Well it going to happen from time to time the cup holder is right above it if cup holder has been installed in arm rest.

But it is possible that the switch has gone bad again, the switch is right beside the exhaust down pipe mounted on the trans. I would have your trusted Volvo Service center pull the codes frist. Pulling codes and preforming diagnostics on fault codes would be the right thing to do frist. I hope this helps, please let me know what was found. And remember a TRUE VOLVO part has a 1Yr no limt milage warranty, and some repair shops will do a labor warranty 1Yr with no milage limt

Good luck
V70

agent#1

I have exactly the same problem with my 92 960. Did this fix your car? where did you get your pmp switch?