Hey there I have a 1991 Volvo 240 with 4 speed auto transmission with overdrive that was driving fine. Then today I stopped at a red light and I grabbed the shift **** and it was really loose. Like I could move it in all directions almost a half inch. So I put it into park and I was going to put it back into drive to see if it didn't lock into drive or something, but the motor died when I put it into park. Then I tried to start the car and when I turned the key into the third position (which cranks the motor) it did nothing. There is electricity because all dash lights come on and radio and etc. But it wont crank over. Then I tried to put it into neutral to push it out of the street but I couldn't press the shift **** button down to shift it to neutral. So I had to stick my finger in the crack and press the Shift Lock Release to put it into neutral. And yes the shift **** is still pretty loose. I replaced the transmission mount about 2 weeks ago, but its been running great since then. Maybe neutral safety switch but that wouldn't account for the looseness of the ****, so im not sure.
-Travis G.

 

The linkage bushing(s) below the shifter have fallen apart. Have to get under there and see what's going on. They are not expensive, and it's not a hard job, just remember how the linkage goes...

 

Thank you for your quick reply. I'm goin to start to take stuff apart till I can find where those bushings are located.
-Travis G.

 

Ok so I put a linkage bushing in because the previous one was missing, and the looseness has gone away. The shift **** if firm, but the the car still wont crank over in park or neutral. Also when I put it in park it shift locks into place and I have to use the shift lock release to get it out of park. What do you guyts think is the problem.
-Travis G

 

Just fixed the problem!!!!!!! Turns out when the linkage bushing fell off and it gave a lot of slop to the shift ****, the stud from the shift **** came out of the neutral safety switch. So the neutral safety switch was stuck in 1st thats why it wouldn't crank over. I popped it back into place and it starts and I can take it out of park like normal. Thanks for your help.
-Travis