gear selector switch getting stuck, will not release.

wheeler000 · Post by **wheeler000** » 09 Mar 2013, 16:31

every now and then in my 2000 S70 the gear selector switch will not release unless I give it a good vertical whack. what to do what to do?

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Mar 2013, 16:46

Take both hands and push the knob down more. Happened to me once. It had just come un-clipped a bit.

Does the brake pedal shift interlock usually work, or do you have to use the "shiftlock override" button?

wheeler000 · Post by **wheeler000** » 09 Mar 2013, 16:53

have not had to use the override button. it's been okay to give it a whack. I will need more time to diagnose it, it just started happening. you never know, if I keep beating on it maybe I'll get a new transmission out of a deal. insert text style

Post by **mikealder** » 10 Mar 2013, 05:39

Check the brake light switch located on the bracket above the brake pedal, if this has worked loose it will not only give you intermittant brake lights (dangerous) it will prevent the gear selector from moving away from park as the switch is used to energise the gear selector release solenoid - Mike

wheeler000 · Post by **wheeler000** » 10 Mar 2013, 07:16

does not get stuck in park. does not get stuck anywhere, just the little button on the knob gets stuck.

Post by **mikealder** » 10 Mar 2013, 07:43

You mean the trigger is stcking in? if so best fix that I have found for this is to release the leather gaitor by turning the top part through 45 degrees and pull down, the leather part should drop away from the selector know, next grab the handle and pull it up and off the gear stick, there is nothing to take to bits just pull it straight off, now you can spray a PTFE based lube inside the gear selector knob working the trigger at the same time, once complete wipe off any excess fluid and refit to the car.
DO NOT use WD40 as this will gumm up the trigger even worse after a few weeks, I use a spray called GT85 which is PTFE based, since doing this to both my V70 and V40 about four months ago beither car has suffered with a stuck trigger - Mike

wheeler000 · Post by **wheeler000** » 10 Mar 2013, 07:46

Thank you, I will try it.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » 23 Mar 2013, 10:27

Thanks for this post, Mike. My 1999 v70, took me 90 seconds to fix an every-drive annoyance. With the ignition on (but don't start the engine), move the gear shift back to Low. This provides a good angle for pulling up hard on the shifter to remove it. With the shifter off, it's easy to inspect the trigger. At this point the internal spring will keep it in 'depressed' mode--as if you're pressing it to shift. Put a flat-head screw-driver up the shaft, and you can move the button to its open and shut position. If the bottom is cracked such that it doesn't hold the steel pin that keeps it in alignment while the button moves, you might best replace the part. About $24 online at iPD. Mine was cracked but holding on, so I sprayed some silicon spray up the inside of the shaft, then worked the button back and forth a lot. Be prepared with paper or cloth towel to wipe away the excess lubricant. Re-install the shifter by sliding it straight down on the gear shift shaft. Then work the button a lot more and wipe up extra lubricant. Re-position the boot and you should be all set. I saw an immediate and dramatic change to 'works like new' status.

Post by **JRL** » 23 Mar 2013, 11:00

Shifter button is probably cracked
IPD sells a replacement button kit
The last 8 or so of these cars I have bought ALL have had a broken button and when it gets too bad it sticks.
(A poor Volvo design as usual)
Feel the bottom of the button with your finger tips, if it's not 100% smooth it's cracked

Post by **98T5** » 23 Mar 2013, 11:27

Sounds like a bad shifter button on the handle itself. go to the junkyard and pull one or order one online, whichever is faster. this happend to me once. those things just go bad over time. the pins on the inside of the button has failed. you need a new shifter knob.