1999 Volvo S80 Shifter stuck in park

RNMIKES

MEMBER
1999 VOLVO S80
260,000 MILES

The shifter is stuck in park. This started with the cold weather. Seems like when the car warms up, there's no problem. Brake lights turn on. Solenoid seems to make a noise when brake is pressed. Wriggle car back and forth, steering wheel back and forth. No difference. Key is a little bit "slow" when turning the key in the ignition. At the same time that the shifter started getting stuck in park, the key is very difficult to remove from the ignition. The final little click. And I have to giggle, push and turn ever so imperceptably to get it to continue to 0 and then I can take the key out. I know that Brake, Key, etc all work together to release shifter from park. Any pointers?

1 Reply

TY ANDERSON

MECHANIC
684 POSTS

Yes, the shifter, ignition key and brake pedal are all linked together. It looks like the shifter interlock solenoid maybe sticking when the ambient temperature is low.
This shift interlock system is designed for safety. The Brake switch tells the central electronic module (computer) that the brake pedal is being pressed. If this switch is not completing the circuit the computer will not unlock the shifter lock via solenoid.
Replacement is usually the best route but if your able to get to the interlock solenoid applying a light multipurpose grease could correct a sticking solenoid. However, sometimes the solenoid is too weak.

As for the ignition key issue. I've not seen many issues with removing the key? I found a technical service bulletin for "ignition key does not turn pass 1". The description states the steering wheel lock is not working which is causing difficulties removing the ignition key. So my question would be with the ignition key removed, does the steering wheel lock in place when turned in either direction?