MY VOLVO AUTOMATIC HAS A LAMBDA LIGHT ON AND THE ARROW WARNING LIGHT FOR THE GEARBOX IS ALSO OCCASIONALY ON FLASHING REPEATEDLY WHEN THIS FLASHES THE CAR SURGES AT CONTINUOUSE SPEED AND STUTTERS AT ACCELORATION BUT WHEN THE ARROW LIGHT IS NOT ON OR FLASHING THE CAR IS FINE WHATS UP?

This is a gearbox issue. Both codes relate to the transmission. Specifically P0717 is to do with an engine speed sensor that lets the gearbox know when it is supposed to change gear. Have you had any work done recently. They might have disturbed some wiring causing this problem. Replacing this sensor is not a simple task as i believe it is inside the box so requires the gearbox to be removed. There are some good Volvo forums on the internet that will be able to help you and point you to a local independent Volvo garage rather than a main dealer to keep costs down.

Is the arrow flashing? This indicates a fault in the gearbox. If it is solid the gearbox is in winter mode or 1st gear. Try manipulating the controls to see if this changes this condition.
The blinking is telling you a code is stored in the computer. Take it to an auto-parts store and have it scanned most places do it for free. Then report back here with the code.

have your clutch looked at you might need a new one

This sounds like a gearbox issue. Take it to a garage with diagnostic equipment and get the fault codes read.

Rob

this indicates an automatic gearbox problem associated with the winter mode switch
does your car drive ok or are you stuck in ultra low gear with a max speed of about 10mph??

Yes, it's the 'pnp' switch (also known as the inhibitor switch) which is on the side of the transmission.

I own 2 Volvo 960s (3 litre automatics) which are similar in many respects ... and have that flashing arrow. It's a well known fault and you don't have much to worry about.

Rather than write it all here, you can read what I wrote as an ebay guide about it at http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Volvo-960-Automatic_W0QQugidZ10000000003233806

I did put similar info on my website at http://www.glennsmart.btinternet.co.uk/volvo960.html with photos

Though the ebay guide is better ...

If you haven't got time to read it ... forget the flashing arrow and put a bit of black tape over it ... My wife's car has (192,000 miles) had that arrow flashing for 3 years. My car (100,000 miles) has had that flashing arrow since I bought it 1 year ago.

I did change the pnp on both cars ... but you also need to have the computer error reset by Volvo to have the light extinguished. Don't worry ... keep driving.

Something is going on with the transmission control system. You need to find out what codes are stored in the system. Most likely the transmission range switch is failing.

Most likely the transmission range switch is failing.
Have someone check the transmission computer for codes.

If it is the flashing arrow on the gearbox, then the problem is most likely the Park-Neutral-Park switch. Rattle the gear lever back and forward a few times and see if it clears. If it does, then it's the switch.

If the transmission is still operating ok, you can drive it, but you need to get it checked, since a fault has been detected by the transmission computer.

Bret
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