89 245 reverse light issue + no start/must push gear selctor

[Volvo_240_Atari_2600]

Me again...

Orlando Florida area
1989 240 GL wagon
automatic transmission
Non Turbo
216k on the clock

I had a thread posted on this a while back. At least I think I did and cannot find it. I believe Bill of Durham even replied.

Sorry if it's a re post but I think my problem is more than what I believe I was told.

The back up lights do not work on their own when I place the car in reverse. They will work, however I must hold the gear shifter up, almost out of reverse (between park and reverse) of course careful enough to not hear gears clicking while backing out.

Seems like there is a bad contact.

I believe someone told me that it was most likely thre bushings between the gear shifter and the linkage to the tranny.

The other propblem which I feel is related and am shying away as I do not look forward to the labor of doing the bushings and I could be dead wrong.

The additional problem is a no start while in park some times.

I have to push the shifter up and remeber park is the end w/ nowhere to go... I give it a little push and it starts.

Almost seems as if it's a Netral Saftey Switch.

Could it be just that for both symptoms? Or perhaps bushings for backup and switch/contact for the starting in park?

When I have the lights on and I put the car in reverse, it lights up Neutral and in Neutral it lights up Neutral and in Drive, Drive is light up.

Any idea what this all could be?

Thanks
Eric

[billofdurham]

Both of these problems could be caused by the Neutral Safety Switch being out of line. It is an easy fix as it is done from inside the car with minimal dismantling.

Remove the gear selector cover and you will see the switch. You should see 'N' & 'P' marks on the indicator. Ensure that the marks are directly opposite the selector lever with the transmission in neutral and park respectively. If they are not, loosen 2 retaining bolts on the switch and adjust accordingly. Make sure the control pin does not come out of the switch lever.

Check that the engine only starts in 'N' or 'P' and reverse lights only operate in 'R' .

Bill.

[Volvo_240_Atari_2600]

Bill,

Once again... Thank you for your valuable information!
I will look into that tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

Eric