Volvo Repair: Mode W engaged and flashes, transmission controls, independent shops

Question
Hello, James:

I have a 1999 V70. My mode W light came on flashing. When I stopped to pay a toll, I thought for a moment that the car was not going to move. It raced, and then finmally went into gear. I noticed that the digital information for mileage and the clock, etc. went blank. I drove home, about 15 miles, and the light remained flashing. I turned the ignition off and then back on, and the light stil flashes. I will bring it to my mechanic in the morning. Cna you tell me what to expect?

Many thanks!

Regards,
Bob

Answer
The flashing arrow light means that their is a diagnostic trouble code with a permanent fault stored in your transmission control module.  So something is wrong with the transmission (or transmission controls) and whatever it is, it is wrong/broken/inoperative/etc. while the light is flashing.  If the transmission was slipping and hesitating to start and then engaged hard, you probably will need to be putting a transmission in it.  The gauges usually not display if there is a communication problem, so your problem may be 2 seperate problems.  You'll need to have your volvo mechanic look at it to determine what is going on.  You should have a dealer do the work if possible because from 99 and up the onboard computer changed to a different communication style that most independent shops cannot read to accurately.  Often they do not receive all the information the on board computer can tell them because they do not have the equipment to read it.

James