Micro switch shift lock override

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 08 Jan 2019, 21:58

1998 v70 t5t requires shift lock override button to leave park. I dissasembled and tested the switch manually. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. When not i can usually jump the switch terminals and the solenoid works. Everytime i reassenble the switch and solenoid it does not work. Could be intermittent switch failure. Before replacing switch should I check anything else? Other likely causes of this failure? Solenoid and brake switch clearly work. But so does the microswitch ... some times.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 17 Feb 2019, 18:32

Well, I replaced the microswitch and the solenoid mechanism works. I can shift out of park without using the shift lock override button. However, I can't make the new microswitch fit the available space. But no problem - now instead of using the override button I simply reach into the exposed center console and squeeze the microswitch. Works every time. It's pretty hilarious.

It doesn't fit because the wires are enclosed within a plastic barrier. See photo. I noticed this when the switch arrived but assumed it was OK. It's not. I'm considering removing the barrier (crushing it) and hoping the wires fit when exposed (just like the original). Could be removable protection but it's stuck on there pretty tightly. Returning doesn't seem worthwhile or likely even possible after installing.

Am I missing something here? Am I missing how to make it fit? Does this switch fit other Volvos and/or is it the wrong part? Purchased here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/122986088414. What's the point of a barrier given the original microswitch on this car lasted over 20 years without one?

Another thing: when removed both the old and new switches "worked" as judged by continuity testing but only the new one would activate the solenoid. I didn't measure the resistance of the old switch. Maybe I will but without removing the new switch to compare I might not be able to interpret the result.

: comparison.jpg (57.1 KiB) Viewed 1667 times

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 27 Feb 2019, 04:39

After removing the plastic barrier (another use for Vice-Grips crush) and wrapping the exposed electrical elements with electrical tape (see image below, before and after Vice-Grips and before wrapping) the switch installed and works fine - just to close this thread. May not be "permanent" (nothing is) but short-term success became a goal in itself. Presumably this protective plastic works in some vehicles. It did not in mine.

Post by **hausmeister** » 27 Feb 2019, 04:58

Hope you re-soldered that black wire.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 27 Feb 2019, 05:11

I intentionally did not re-solder. It's more secure than it appears in the photo and an awkward position in the garage is a no soldering zone, at least for me, at 2 am. If it fails I now know what to do. Exposing the area only takes a few moments.