1998 Volvo S70 Shift lever lock up / ignition switch key lo

PETER SALVATORE

MEMBER
1998 VOLVO S70

Transmission problem
1998 Volvo S70 Front Wheel Drive Automatic 125000 miles

The finger release button on the shift lever will not depress to allow gear position change. Also the key will hang up in the ignition lock cylinder. The key is out now, but the shift lever is stuck in park. I Know I can use the override button for the shift lever, However this is not the fix. This is my daughters car and the problem needs to be adressed properly. Best Regards, Peter

1 Reply

JIS001

MECHANIC
3,408 POSTS

If the key is hanging up then you will need to order and replace the steering column lock cylinder. As for the gear slector. When you start the car up tap on the brakes. You should hear the micro switch unlock or feel a slight pulse on the handle. If you dont make sure the brake lights do come on when you can not take it out of park. If the brake lights dont work then you have a faulty brake switch. Also verify that the ignition lock cable does slide back and forth freely. When you turn the key to poition 2 the cable should slide to allow for the button to be able to be depress and when you shut it off the cable should slide back. If it does not try lubricating the cable and clean up any spillage you may see. This will be done with the center console removed. If cable still does not move when you have it in position 2 then you will need to also replace the ignition lock cable and would recommend doing that when you replace the steering column lock since one end of the cable goes there and the other end to the gear selector assembly. Hope this helps.