1997 960 wagon--starting issues related to shifter and steering wheellock

[glsvolvo]

I have an intermittent problem starting the old wagon. It has 120K+
miles. It's the last of the rear drives. Occasionally, the steering
column lock won't engage, precluding starting. Movement of the wheel
eventually locks it, and it will sometimes start. But then, on
occasion, the shift lever's release must be "tapped" to allow the
ignition process. (this is not the shift lock button on the console,
but the release just under the shifter handle and below it on the
shifter itself. According to one shop who "fixed" the issue, a
grommet had to be replaced in the shifter and all adjustment has been
taken out and the next fix involves pulling the transmission. The car
repeated the problem and I took it back to the shop that initially
"fixed" the problem. The problem continues.
A subsequent shop, couldn't find any problem as this is intermittent.
I have resisted going to the dealership because of reasons related to
past repairs.
Are the steering wheel and shifter problems related or purely
coincidental?
Is there a "fix" short of pulling out the transmission?
Thanks.
gls

 

[bg4a]

Hello
We suffered the same issues. As you say, being intermittent, it is
difficult to assess.

For us, the there were two issues that seemed intertwined. One was fixed
with a $350 replacement of the shift indicator switch. I understand it is
on the outside of the transmission and does not require pulling
transmission.

The related issue involved another intermittent and variable nasty
electronic interlock problem that prevented ignition and seemed to involve
the emergency flashers and burgler alarm. After spending too many wasted
hours in the shop, I wrote down the exact part numbers for a set of relays
that measure about 2 by 2 by 1 (inches) that are mounted in a board behind
the ash tray. At the junk yard, I found a Volvo about the same year having
the exact part numbers, paid the guy $20 for the set of three, and that has
been the end of the weird issues.

Our 1997 has 130,000 miles, uses no oil and is a pleasure to drive. Our
only problem is that there is a seal in the steering rack that leaks. It
seems replacements for this in-between model year aren't to be had. When
the steering fluid is low, there is a roar that is heard while turning. I
am keeping a bottle of steering fluid in the car with me these days but it
would be nice to get that fixed.

Good luck.

 

[Ross G]

I agree with the other poster who suggested the transmission selector
position switch which is mounted on the right side of the transmission.
It degrades internally and can cause difficulty starting and also
cause the transmission warning light on the inst panel to flash (along
with the lights in the W S E buttons. Sometimes, you may get some
improvement by moving the shifter back and forth from Park to Low 20
times or so (with the engine off). This may clean the contacts in the
switch enough the improve things. This is really only a temporary fix
though and switch replacement is the real cure - and no, the
transmission does not have to be removed for this. Removing and
replacing the wire bundle to the switch is a pain with the transmission
installed, but not a show stopper.

The problem could also simply be the alignment of this switch. If
moving the shifter a little one direction or the other allows the
starter to operate, then I would consider this. A Volvo tool is
supposed to be used for this adjustment, but if you are adventurous, you
could try it yourself. The job is a PITA since you have to disconnect
transmission cooling lines, and perhaps even the exhaust system at the
manifold.

 

[glsvolvo]

Many thanks for the respones. For the shifter work, to the dealer I
will go, with checkbook in my hand, Hi Ho, Hi Ho.
GLS.