Volvo: Tranny, real diagnosis, position sensor

Question
Ray,  I sure hope I didn't buy a lemon.  1993 850 .. just bought it.  The Arrow is flashing (transmission).  Now, when the car is cold, it starts in high gear (or at least 3rd).  It seems to shift properly after it gets warm.  Fluid level is OK.  Will take it to shop for a real diagnosis, but any insight would help.  Just got the car.  Fluid is a bit brownish instead of the red I'm used to.

Answer
Dave,
When the gear position sensor goes out that is the way the trans tends to shift. Have the codes read and see if the fault code is for the GPS. Flashing arrow means that there is a fault in the trans. The trans will not act normally until the fault is fixed.