Shift Override button

[Ben850]

I think all that would take is pulling the solenoid out. The plunger of the solenoid itself is what stops the shifter. Easy to do that.

[alexk243]

I think all that would take is pulling the solenoid out. The plunger of the solenoid itself is what stops the shifter. Easy to do that.

Is there really any downside to removing the whole thing? "oh no I accidentally put my car into drive" If Im not mistaken you would still have to pull the gear shift lever, right?

[cn90]

Update,

Used volvospeed tutorial to fix this (I had to use over-ride button 40% of the time when shifting from P to R).
http://volvospeed.com/volvo_repairs_how ... ement.html

- The microswitch: Volvo is about $36. However Radio Shack PN 275-0016 is the same for $3.20.
- Just watch the setup carefully and reproduce the same thing.
- No need to disconnect the connector to the microswitch, simply slide it out of its holder so you have room.
- Place a piece of aluminum foil so you can solder without damaging the nearby parts.

As it turned out, my microswitch was probably fine (still clicked when depressed, but could not check for proper working order). Then I noticed the solenoid was sticking, probably from gunk over the years. I used WD-40 and slide the plunger back and forth many time.
Then rotate the plunger until it works as designed (just push it toward the front, the spring should push it rearward).

All in all, it cost me $3.20 for the Radio Shack microswitch.

[cn90]

One week update.

So the fix worked, I no longer have to press the over-ride button (40% of the time).
It is very smooth now.

As mentioned:

- I think my microswitch was fine (it clicked OK), but since I had the new Radio Shack microswitch, I replaced it anyway.

- I believe I had the sticky solenoid issue. No need for new solenoid, a few squirts of WD-40 or thin oil and keep pulling the plunger 10-20 times until it moves freely and you are all set.

So, before you blame the microswitch, look at the solenoid!

[cn90]

A photo in case people need it (to supplement the excellent DIY already written by others).

1. Remove 8-mm screws in the center console.
2. The trim piece right below parking brake handle: slide it to the LEFT to remove it.
3. Look straight down, you will see 2 connectors (white color), use a long screwdriver to disconnect these.
4. Undo the heater switches, cigarette socket as you move the console rearward.
5. The shifter console itself sits on a few clips (look under and you will see them).
6. Lube the solenoid plunger with WD-40 etc.
7. The microswitch sits on the driver's side.
8. Cover surrounding area with Aluminum foil before soldering in new microswitch.

PS: The shifter illumination bulb is on the driver side. It was Sunday, I used Radio Shack bulb and it worked (instead of spending $10 at dealer). I wrote it up in another thread.

Volvoshiftersolenoid.JPG (140.04 KiB) Viewed 920 times