Perhaps you are wondering about the Volvo PNP switch alignment tool and how it works.
If you are looking to replace the PNP switch, yet not sure how to align it, then this article is for you. Today, we will cover all you need to know on what to expect from the Volvo PNP switch, alignment tips and tricks that will be very helpful for you.
Let’s get started.
Volvo PNP Switch Alignment Tool
You may be looking to replace the PNP switch and once you have done it, the next thing to do is to align it.
There are many posts you can find online when it comes to replacing the PNP switch. However, the missing piece in these helpful articles is how to align this component once replaced.
Basically, this alignment tool is sold by Volvo. But at the same time, it is not so easy to acquire even from your dealer. And to make things even more challenging, it can be quite an additional and unnecessary expense.
With this in mind, we find it helpful to our reader to guide them through how to use this alignment tool and what to expect along the way.
After all, we have heard of some people complaining that the replacement process can be tricky. You need to move so many components out of the way. Then, once it is finally in place, you need to adjust or align it.
Thankfully, it is not as tricky as how you think it is. In fact, you can get it done even without an alignment tool. This is why many folks would rather perform this process without having to use an alignment tool. However, you just need to make sure that you align the PNP switch within 3 millimeters of what it needs to be. This way, it can work.
Now, if you have noticed that it does not appear to be working, it is not that the switch is the issue. The problem is that the alignment is not done right. So you just need to make certain adjustments, and it should be good to go.
Some people mentioned seeing the yellow flashing arrow warning while at the same time experiencing a drop in the transmission power. Then, after coming to a stop, reading the manual, and doing a restart, the car remained in the third gear limp mode. What helped in this situation is rowing or moving the gear shift rapidly as a temporary solution.
Do take note that it is not a permanent fix, which is why further work still needs to be done to it.
Another person was having a difficult time finding the Volvo alignment tool. Yet, he was able to make one using some spare parts in just a matter of five minutes. These components include 3-inch triangular cabinet hinges pre-drilled with some screw holes and a pack of 10 flathead screws about 8/32 x 1/2 inch and some bolts.
By bolting the longer triangular sides of your hinges following this sequence: bolt + hinge + two nuts + hinge + last nut, this should make a good alternative to an alignment tool. The couple of nuts located in the middle portion of the hinges provide for a 6-mm space for the assembly, so it can fit over your selector shaft.
Then the assembly makes a 3-inch leg, which hangs over your alignment mark on your PNP housing. This hinge serves as a flat metal plate for aligning with the flat portions of your selector shaft.
When you do an alignment, be sure to put a mirror right behind your car. This allows you to see your reverse lights turn on and off from where you are working. Then, put your car in reverse mode with the engine not running and turn the metal portion of your PNP switch in a forward and backward motion until you are able to get your reverse lights go in both directions on and off.
Using a pencil, mark this location where the light goes on. Rotate some more until you are able to get the reverse lights to go out. Move your sensor in such a way that it lies between the two marks and then tighten down.
At this point, this completes the adjustment. Turn your key off, place the gear selector in Park position and button up.
You can also adjust the switch alignment when you loosen the hex screw, turn the switch and tighten it down once more. Check to see the back up lights and then move the shifter slowly out of reverse. Once you are able to do this, that means it is all good. But if not, you will need to turn your switch a bit and try again.
Read More: Volvo D2 Engine Problems And Common Solutions
Bottom Line
We hope these tips have been helpful in using the Volvo PNP switch alignment tool. And if you don’t have any alignment tool available, you can make your own using the tips we have presented, which can come in handy in such situations.
Now, you can carry out the alignment process in an easier and more convenient way even without a tool. So, you can get any issues addressed once and for all.