Car type: Volvo 740, automatic transmission.[/align]Issue: I noticed a burning smell and a little smoke coming from near the gear stick (one we use to change gears), Now the gear isstuck in parking ( I can unlock it via a yellow ****, but as soon as I move the gear from Parking to some other gear, it gets locked up again). Also, the car does not start now, as it seems to suck up all the power when I try to start it.[/align][/align]Any idea what might be the issue. I had faced this issue earlier also and at that point I had it fixed at Harvey's (They said it was an issue with the shifter assembly and they charged about $750 to fix, which I felt was too much).[/align][/align]Any ideas on how I might troubleshoot this. I want to check it out myself before I ask a mechanic.[/align][/align]

 

It is the shifter assembly, the interlock which prevents the car from being shifted without stepping on the brakes first, or the car starting in drive(D). To replace it is costly. I'd get a used one, orthe cheapest would be tohave it disconected and then you can shift it and start it without its interference as long as you can remember that those safety features won't be available.

 

Is there a manual out there which shows how to disable shifter assembly?

Thanks tedv for your quick response.