1994 Volvo 850 2.4L Auto transmission

It sounds like you are either in "winter" mode, or "failsafe mode". If it's winter mode, you should see the word "winter" somewhere on the display. On my 1998 Saab 900, the winter button is on the console. Pushing it turns the winter mode on and off. If it's in failsafe mode, you're going to need to take it to a GM dealer.

Winter,Sport and Economy gearbox modes.
Winter locks the gearbox into 2nd while in drive
Sport shifts at higher RPM
Economy delivers the best mileage.

" S W and E" are Sport,Winter,and Economy. In "S" your car should change gears at a higher RPM allowing for quicker acceleration. In "W" your car should shift so that it puts out more torque and maintains a better grip on the road in slippery conditions and is generally not used for high speed driving. Winter mode was the precursor to traction control. In "E" your car should shift at normal RPM this mode is designed to save your gas. I'm not sure exactly why your saving gas in W, but Volvo has allot of electronics in their transmissions. If you are not the original owner of the car, the trans may have needed electrical service and the switches were hooked back up wrong. If you want to confirm this try using the other modes and see what the car dose. If the tranny dose not preform as I described above that may be the case. Also consult your owner's manual. If you don't have one e-mail me [email protected] and I can help you out. I have a 1994 940 base (non turbo) wagon that has been family owned and still has the original owner's manual. Good luck and happy "Bricking"
Chris

Hi. I own a 99 Volvo S70 and on the shift console, there's a button with a "W" on it which is used for winter driving. It basically tells the transmission to be soft and not as responsive as it should be which helps you keep more traction in winter driving. If you're used to driving in winter conditions like me, I don't use mine much.

The "S" is a shift overlock button which prevents the transmission from going into overdrive. Often times, when people pull a trailer or have heavy loads, it prevents the transmission from overheating resulting in premature wear.

I hope this helps.

The blinking arrow is an indicator that the automatic transmission is in the limp mode. Sometimes this problem will go away. Other times you must take it in and have the error code on the transmission read. This will explain what is causing the transmission to go into the limp mode. The limp mode is the same as the WINTER mode where it starts in 3rd gear.
The dash board gauges are controlled by a dimmer switch that is above the rear fog light switch which is above the headlight switch. If this dimmer switch doesn't work, then have it replaced.

Hi, chk ur rear transmission mount.

when the arrow light is flashing it means the car is in what they call "limp home mode" its supposed to reduce power output in order to prevent further damage to the vehicle. usually kicks in when you're "hot rodding" the car for a long period of time. however i have no idea why it would come on if you just shifted from 3 to L unless the computer felt you were endangering the transmission

u try to check gear position switch and may be u can get the DTC is easy to troubleshooting .Thanks

Your automatic transmission is in limp mode. It detected a problem and set itself into limp mode which is basically the same as W or WINTER mode. It's computer should have stored a code that will tell the service technician what caused the error. Sometimes shutting the engine off and restarting will reset the transmission.

It is for Winter driving. When pressed, it doesn't allow you to take off suddenly/accelerate from dead stop.