Shift lock, ABS issue 1996 Volvo 850

franckfolk · Post by **franckfolk** » 17 Apr 2009, 12:47

I Just bought a 1996 Volvo 850.

I noticed it occasionally won't shift into drive. A restart often does the trick. If not, I use the override button. But here's the problem.

Whenever I use the override the ABS and Track lights remain on. Worse yet, the blinkers do not function (and there may be other electronic gizmos that don't work).

Ideas?

Might this root from the ABS control unit (which I see can be rebuilt by Internet merchants) But if so, what does it have to do with the shift lock.

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Apr 2009, 12:59

It sounds like the electrical portion of your ignition switch is failing. It is a very common problem. It is a relatively cheap part and it is very easy to change.

...Lee

franckfolk · Post by **franckfolk** » 17 Apr 2009, 14:11

Thanks, Lee.

Where is this installed? Steering column? Fusebox area? Anyone know of any posts on this in the forum?

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Apr 2009, 14:22

It is on the steering column. Here is a link to a decent writeup on the subject:

http://volvospeed.com/Repair/ignit_switch.php

The smaller torx screws that are just behind the steering wheel are very deep. My son did this on his car a couple of weeks ago and he said they were T-10 but I recall that mine were T-15 as described in the writeup.

...Lee

jbroox · Post by **jbroox** » 21 Apr 2009, 19:53

I am no expert, but I have had a similar problem now and then with my S70. The problem with my car seems to be the little shift lock override button. I've read that they can get sticky over the years, and that is definitely my problem. Once in a while the override button gets pushed and it does not pop back up as it should right away. The key cannot be removed from the ignition, and the turn signals do not work. Perhaps other things happen as well.

If I tap hard to the side of the override button it will slowly rise back up into position. Once the shift lock is back up where it belongs, I turn the car off and back on and everything works fine again. I've sprayed some silicone lubricant around the shift lock override button and that has helped.

This happens every few months. One time my son hit the button with his book bag. Another time my wife's purse hit it. But, as far as I can tell, it is an issue with the shift lock override button, and not the ignition.