1993 240 Wagon, Shift Lock Problems

Hi! I have a 1993 240 wagon (the 4th 240 I've owned - I love them!)
with 205,523 miles on it. Overall the car's great. Recently,
however, I've been having trouble with the shift lock engaging even
though I'm stepping on the brake when I go to shift. It doesn't
happen every time, but frequently. Luckily this model has the shift
lock override button, so it's just a matter of reaching across with my
left hand and pressing that button while shifting into gear with my
right hand, so it's just a minor pain in the ass compared to so many
other possible problems. Still, I'm wondering why this has suddenly
started happening. I've been driving the car for probably 4-5 years
now without this happening previously. Is it a sign of more serious
impending problems? Is it worth having fixed? Or should I just keep
pressing the override button when necessary and not worry about it?

Thanks much,

Patricia

 

Kinda depends on the value you place on convenience. I would tend to
suspect the shift lock relay which a good mechanic should be able to
do for less than $150 total. A dealer will do it for the value of the
vehicle plus a hundred or so.

My not so humble opinion. WMMV.

Chuck Fiedler
Nothing but Volvo since 1974

 

If it is indeed a relay of the electrical ilk that's causing it, a diy
fix would be touch up the solder joints on it.
So far, I've resurrected my OD and turn sigiginal relays that way...
If it's a mechanical type relay, ignore all the above.

 

Could probably just remove the shift lock mechanism or otherwise disable
it too, most 240s never had it in the first place.