Volvo: Volvo 850 glt transmission & flashing light, volvo 850 glt, volvo 850

Question
Just the other day while driving home the transmission began shifting down to lower gears or perhaps shifting out of gear into neutral while I was cruising at about 45 mph. the motor would rev and then re-engage, and then back out again, and continue this behavior. After a minute the transmission light began flashing. I nursed the car home about 3 miles and now it sits. This had happened before a long time ago, and I don't remember what it was. Although I think it was related to a vaccume issue. The vehicle has been sitting for more than a year prior to this occurance, and the battery was completely dead. What does this sound like to you?
Thanks,
Robert

Answer
Robert,
If the arrow was flashing, that will mean there is a code in the system and that code will need to be read and the fault corrected. The fault might likely be a gear position sensor and that is mounted on the trans, not real easy to get at. To read the codes you will most likely have to get the car to a Volvo shop for some help in the diagnosis and the ultimate repair.