I've finally had to put my hand in my pocket and go to dealers and buy a PNP/starter inhibitor switch for my automatic 855

It doesnt look too bad and the instructions on Bay 13 are very good BUT list the use of a 'special tool' to align the switch before finally tightening it down.

Is this necessary? The new switch has a black paint mark on it, and the tool looks like all it does is to get the rod that sticks out out of the 'box (that the shift cable attches to - as it goes through the switch) to line up with the paint mark (a task done with the box in neutral)

Surely this cant be that difficult without the use of a 'special tool'??

I assume also if mark this relationship between cable/original switch/gearbox casing blah blah blah then shouldnt be an issue - or is it!!

Anyone know??

Thanks,

Kevin

I used a square handled screwdriver and lined it up so it is parallel to the markings. No problem, started rlght away. Just study the pictures to note position.

dick

I would install it without the tool but using a reference mark or photo as the other post says. When you are ready to drive the car, check carefully that the car can be started in neutral or park, not other gears, and that the backup lights work when you are in reverse. If so, you're good to go. Otherwise rotate the switch a few degrees.

Yes, I agree and we had no trouble with the position test and brake light method.

From what I understand, mark it and either get a good visual of the one coming out, or better yet, take a few digital pictures of it. Then when you install the new one, make sure it's lined up exactly like the old one and you should be fine. At least that's what others have done with success.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.

OK, here is the issue with putting in a PNP switch in your 850. In order to test the thing and make sure that it is positioned correctly you have to have the battery hooked up, which mounts ontop of all of that stuff. I you need to adjust it you will have to move the battery and crap back out of the way to adjust it. The key is as the other guys have said, make sure the starter engages in park and nuetral and that the reverse lights come on in reverse only. It will not be necessary to start the car, just bump the starter over is all you need to do.

Good luck
Mark