18th Nov 2014, 00:24

We have been having the same problem with our car for quite some time with the 'S' light flashing and starting off in third gear.

We also have problems with the fuel gauge giving an incorrect reading, speedometer reading about 5-10km over the actual speed and the outside temperature gauge not working.

We took it to a Holden dealer who could not find any faults.

6th Aug 2015, 13:01

The flashing "S" lamp on dash seems to be a common fault. When coming to a stop, the transmission stays in 3rd or 4th gear. To quickly overcome a slow acceleration, just shift down to gear number 1, and as you accelerate, shift up to 2, 3 and then D.

Before you start your car at any time, try and move the gear lever from P down to 1, and then back to P a few times.

I found when I did this, the transmission worked normal again for some time until the "Limp mode" or flashing "S" happened again.

On another forum, I took some advice and removed the inhibitor or neutral safety switch mounted on the transmission. I cleaned out the dirty old grease and cleaned the copper contacts with sand paper and brake clean. I lubricated the contacts with dielectric grease, or you can use bulb grease.

Re-installed this switch and the transmission has been working without fault for several weeks. This is a known issue on different cars with automatic transmissions, but is often overlooked by many mechanics. If you are mechanically inclined, give it a go. Good luck!

25th Aug 2020, 02:41

I could have written the exact same post and have been trying to find help via motor mechanics and auto electricians. Also we took the car back to the Holden dealer from whom it was purchased. I’ve copied the reply that someone posted on how to fix the gear problem as this is the most annoying.