Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'91 Volvo 240, Transmission Interlock Won't Unlock

Q: I have a '91 Volvo 240 with an automatic transmission. I can't get the shifter out of park for several minutes upon first starting vehicle. There is a micro-switch inside the plastic shift apron (P-R-D-2-1) but it doesn't seem to do anything although I can hear it clicking when I push on it. Only after the engine has warmed up can I shift out of Park and get going. Is there a way to bypass this feature? Sometimes I have to wait 5-8 minutes to get the car out of Park! This is very inconvenient at times.

- Ken O.

A: I would never suggest disabling or by-passing a safety device. Your Volvo has a concealed mechanical release lever located right by the text on your shifter that says SHIFTLOCK RELEASE. You can reach in with your finger just past the brushes of the shift path and push the lever to the left to release/disengage the shift lock. If you cannot release the shift lock in this manner then there is a problem in that area that will only get worse. My suggestion is to have the console removed and the shift lock system inspected and returned to correct operation. Shift lock systems are pretty reliable units. The biggest problem we see is with debris falling down inside the mechanism. Hair pins, pencils money, small action figures are just a few of the items we've removed to get a shift lock system operational again. You'd be surprised what fits down through that shifter opening.