XC90 Gear Sticking in Park – Advice really appreciated

[mgratton]

Hi all,

I am considering buying my brother’s XC90 2005 ‘05’ Volvo 2.4 D5 Executive 5dr Geartronic and could do with some advice on whether the problem with the gears are serious i.e. don’t buy or if it is a reasonable price to fix.

When driving along the car finds the gears fine and the auto gearbox works. However when you park up and put it into Park it thinks it is in gear sometimes and then doesn’t let go of the keys. Other times when you come to start it, it thinks it is in gear so will not start the car unless you move the stick up and return to park which fixes the problem. This issue seems to be intermittent. Could anyone advice to what this issue is and what the parts are to fix it? I have a local mechanic that can fix if I know what it is ☺

Thanks for the help – a potential Volvo owner!

[cbotd]

There are a few threads below this one addressing this issue. This is not uncommon and luckily not terribly difficult to correct.

There seems to be two main issues;

1.) Key won't release when in park
2.) Can't shift out of Park on cold days

1.) Key won't release when in park can be one of two items;
- Adjustment of spring tension required on gear selector cable.
- Repair/Replacement of shifter release button

2.) Can't shift out of P on cold days
- Adjustment of spring tension required on gear selector cable

The selector cable adjustment requires the center counsel to be removed. It sounds like a big job, but is easily accomplished in an hour and with some patience.

I'm not familiar with the selector button replacement procedure myself, but have seen a few tutorials that don't look particularly difficult.

I guess the good news is that on the surface, your concern is easy to address in your driveway without a trip to the dealer.

[mgratton]

Hi everyone thanks so much for replying to me. I have had 6 different ideas of what it could be. I have put them in an order of what I imagine to be easier / less costly to do. I would really appreciate you having a look and letting me know which order you would do it in?

1. Check the switch/ brackets in the centre console, it is known for the screws holding the gearlever selector box to come loose so it doesn't always go into park fully.

2. This problem is normally caused by the cable that directly links the base of the gearshift and the ignition barrel. Likely cause is the moving part at the base of the gear shift.

3. Could be a faulty solenoid that energises when in park & brake pedal is depressed "Solenoid For Shift Control"

4. Sounds like the gearshifts switch is faulty not an unusual problem. Change gearbox oil.

5. There were some known issues with the key cylinder in the steering column, but usually the issues we've seen is the cylinder doesn't unlock when the key is inserted.

6. Burn it.