'94 940 shift interlock disconnect

jrschwit · Post by **jrschwit** » 26 Feb 2026, 05:48

Hi all,
Is there any known trick to get a disabled 940 out of park so I can get the car on a tow dolly. The ignition keys have been lost and I am trying to help out a neighbor's daughter who is cleaning up the vehicles her father left after his recent death. I own and am familiar with P2 Volvos and know I could remove part of the console cover and, with fiddling, disconnect the interlock cable from the ignition switch. I presume the procedure would be similar with a 940 but thought I'd check here before I dive in.

Further background. I bought this car 21 years ago from the original owner and it was our trusty family car for over 10 years. After acquiring a P2 V70, I gave it to my neighbor who planned to fix a fuel pump issue and resell it. However, he developed health problems and never did anything to it. If I can tow it the mile or so to my place, I'd like to help his daughter get it out of the way and either get it running or part it out. It was a great running car and has a good rust-free body.

Thanks,
Jim

Post by **volvolugnut** » 27 Feb 2026, 06:14

With a rear drive transmission, you can disconnect the shift linkage under the car. Then move the shift arm on the transmission to neutral position and you should free wheel. Be sure to set the parking brake first.
volvolugnut

jrschwit · Post by **jrschwit** » 27 Feb 2026, 09:27

Thanks. I'll try that if necessary. After getting some of the plastic console cover off, it appears that the shift interlock is accomplished by an electrical solenoid rather than a physical cable connected to the ignition switch as on the P2s that I'm familiar with.

I also found the following on another forum which I will investigate next: "You can check to see if it is the inter lock mechanism by putting your finger in the bristled path near the back (by the 1) there is a manual release that you can pull up. Once this is released the car should shift from park."

Jim

jrschwit · Post by **jrschwit** » 27 Feb 2026, 15:30

Tried fiddling a good bit today to get the shifter out of park without success. Was raining today so I decided to jack up the rear wheels and lower the drive axle on the tow dolly to tow it backwards. Towed OK but it's definitely something I would not do for any distance or at speed. Will now attempt to get it out of park or disconnect the shifter linkage while it is on the dolly and I have more room.

I moved and took possession of the car as a favor to the owners daughter who has a considerable mess to clean up. Because I have more projects than time, I am happy to pass the car on to another person in whole or parts. Has 225K miles of well maintained ownership between myself and the original owner. Was last driven in 2013 when I gave it to my neighbor having acquired a P2 V70 which has served me very well for 80K miles.
Jim

Louiseravot · Post by **Louiseravot** » Yesterday, 02:43

You can release the shifter by removing the center console trim and manually disconnecting the shift interlock cable like you mentioned. It’s a fairly simple setup on the 940 compared to newer Volvos. Once the cable is free, you should be able to move the selector into neutral and load it onto the dolly.