850 stuck in park

lovelyleslie1981 · Post by **lovelyleslie1981** » 29 Mar 2007, 11:10

This is my second 850 and the first one got stuck in park, too. Apparently it had a faulty switch and volvo keeps trying to get it right, but can't. I had to get it replaced twice, with two different generation switches, in my old 850. My "new" 850 started doing it last summer. I can get it out of park if I hit the shiftlock override button, but then my speedometer doesn't work...at all. Then, over the winter, I didn't have a problem getting it out of park...unless my car had been parked in direct sunlight for awhile when I tried to drive it. Now that it's hot again (in live in GA) I'm having the same problem.

Post by **JRL** » 29 Mar 2007, 15:47

Check the button on the shift knob, the one you push with your thumb
They can break internally or get stuck and if it's not fully released this will happen.
If this is the case you need a new shift knob, the button is a part of the knob

steelbuddha · Post by **steelbuddha** » 02 Apr 2007, 07:54

There's a little microswitch down in the center console that can wreak havoc when it fails. I've had the same problem with my 850 not starting in hot weather. IPD sells these switches, complete with instructions, for about $30.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Apr 2007, 09:43

steelbuddha wrote:There's a little microswitch down in the center console that can wreak havoc when it fails. I've had the same problem with my 850 not starting in hot weather. IPD sells these switches, complete with instructions, for about $30.

Also the brake switch controls the shifter.
Mine just failed on a 68K miles 850 with no getting it out of park (without hitting the release button) until it was replaced

thomlep · Post by **thomlep** » 20 Apr 2008, 19:46

Hey guys, my 95 850 T Wagon sometimes will not shift out of part after starting the engine. I shut off the engine and wiggle the key while trying to shift out of park. This works, then I start the car while it's in neutral.

Is this the micro switch thing?

-Tom

Post by **plumsmooth** » 29 Sep 2020, 16:14

Wow did all these replies happen in 5 minutes!!! Thanks Looks like I just get a new used shifts for under 40 bucks. I might end up losing money on this but at least it won't be sitting in my yard. I refuse to have my last relationship with this Wagon be unable to drive because of the shifter. By God I will at least physically drive this to a Junk Yard if I have to!

Post by **plumsmooth** » 29 Sep 2020, 16:15

PS I feel like ti might be the button. Because I just about had the shifter moving when all of a sudden the knob popped out and I pushed it back in. Maybe it is probably not seated...

Post by **plumsmooth** » 29 Sep 2020, 16:23

Well too late if it wasn't already broken I broke it pulling on the knob. I bet when it seemed to pop out it was 'done' at that point. I do not know how it goes in there but whatever assembly connects it to the stuff down below must be interrupted!

Only ones I can find are from California (whole shifter assembly).

But I need the whole thing since the rubber is peeling off overtime I touch it. Anyone else for a good source for one. Maybe I try my local years tomorrow. T
his is what I was afraid of: The simple act of trying to sell it turn into little repair after repair until the winter comes and I let it sit again. Duh, I learned my lesson about selling a car while you still can.