Easter Sunday is such a fine day for a car problem. The shifter refuses to go into Park. I can get it to "R". It has happened several times to me and spouse, so it's a recurring problem. It's the 5 speed auto, not the manu-matic.

It seems the shifter trigger isn't able to be depressed completely therefore blocking access to "P". It also won't go lower than "4".

Anyone out there today who knows how to disassemble the shift lever handle to expose the workings of the trigger? I have the shift indicator trim plate removed and that's about it.

In this state the keys can't be removed from the ignition, so I'm a bit desperate for a solution.

thanks, and Happy Easter and Passover.
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'94 945t; '94 944t; '05 S80 2.5t; '01 S40t

I had a problem getting in and out of P with my 855.

After checking the brake and shift lock switches, I took the console apart and found that the rod that unlocks the shifter did not go down far enough to unlock the shifter.

Since the rod looked OK and I had read that the lever is just pushed on, I gave the top of the lever a couple of good downward smacks with the heel of my hand.

It was cured immediately and has been good for 3 years.
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'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '95 855, '95 854, the first three are mine, heh, heh, 485,000 miles put on 9 bricks

I encountered this in a loaner S60 from my Volvo dealer -- I was not near the dealer so I called the service desk. The service writer told me that he's heard of this, and since I'm not nearby (to swap for another loaner) that I should put the shift in Neutral and then work the key through its rotation (don't bother with "start" or III, though), back and fourth a few times, and then try the shift again. He said sometimes the linkage (actually a cable, I think, like on my 240s) doesn't move smoothly between the key lock and the shift override, so you have to work it through a few times.

Hope this helps.

Ken:
Thanks for taking the time to respond. As your message arrived I was able to free up the stick. I shot some silicone spray through a straw into the trigger and then it was able to move that extra 1/8" inwards (flush with the handle grip), allowing the stick to move in its complete range of motion. So, yes, something seems to get hung up in there. Next time I'll work the key.
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'94 945t; '94 944t; '05 S80 2.5t; '01 S40t

You did the right thing. Silicone is best for the sticky shift knob lock. You might want to spray some down to the bottom of the shifter where it actually hangs up.

Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.