98 volvo v70xc. ..shifter won't unlock

Lindsv70xc · Post by **Lindsv70xc** » 03 Dec 2015, 14:27

My latest issue is this...

It is at total random. When I get into the car, put the key in and start the car, the shifter (automatic) won't unlock.

I have no idea what the trick is, but it takes a few tries of starting and shutting it off for the shifter to unlock and go into gear.

Any ideas???

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 03 Dec 2015, 14:36

There's a microswitch and a solenoid in the shifter console.
When you start the car and hit the brake to shift, a switch
on the brake pedal sends voltage to the microswitch in the
console. If the console switch "sees" the shifter in the park
position, it passes voltage to the solenoid to unlock the shifter.

You probably have a bad/failing microswitch in the console.
There are a ton of threads on MVS to help with that problem.

Your ignition switch contacts may be getting sketchy, too.
It's worth a minute to wiggle the key and see if that helps.

Post by **chexny** » 03 Dec 2015, 15:00

is the motor running but lights wont come on? dash/headlights? if so just wiggle your key and once the lights come on you are good to go.

Post by **xHeart** » 03 Dec 2015, 19:06

It is likely the ignition switch is failing, read more here https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=55868

Post by **JRL** » 03 Dec 2015, 21:48

Broken shift button, also quite common

Post by **E Showell** » 04 Dec 2015, 08:55

Pry the shift override button up and try again.

Post by **rspi** » 04 Dec 2015, 17:25

Lindsv70xc · Post by **Lindsv70xc** » 06 Dec 2015, 21:21

Thanks for all the replys!! It honestly sounds to me that it's the ignition switch. The engine will be running and the lights won't turn on in this matter. And it will take several times to get it to work properly. It makes sense to me that, that's what it is.