Today my check engine light came on. My car would not start. After 5 to 6 attempts the car started and a orange arrow emblem is flashing. when i try to accelerate it is having a hard time until i can get up to 35 miles or higher. is this a seroious problem? what should i do. thanks

SOURCE: 2000 Volvo s70 sedan won't run smoothly when holding it at a steady acceleration

Sounds like fuel starvation. Would suggest cleaning any filters in the fuel line or replacing.
Also check the stop idle valve. This should be inline in the air intake pipe to the intake manifold..
Remove it and clean with WD40.Make sure you note the orientation of the spring.
To reset the ECU disconnect the battery for 5 minute the reconnect. The ECU should reset to factory settings. Make sure you know radio and alarm codes!
Try petrol additive STP or Redex to clean inside the engine.
Thats as far as my knowledge goes, hope it helps.

SOURCE: Message ' Reduced engine performance'

sound like transmission slipping .fuel filter clogged.turbo stop woking.dirty fuel injectors.

Glenn Smart

• 845 Answers
• Posted on May 17, 2009

SOURCE: 1998 Volvo V70 with potential transmission problems?

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.

SOURCE: Flashing upside down arrow/ slow acceleration

This is a common problem of Volvo S40. You can try this trick to turn off the flashing arrow light.

1) Turn off Engine
2) Turn key to "On" position (Not start the engine), you will see the panel light will on
3) Step on the break paddle
4) Shift the gear from "P" to "L" 10 times
5) Turn key to " Off" position
6) Now you can start the engine.
7) If doesn't work, you can repeat the procedure.

Hope this tick help
Good luck