Replaced starter in my 1997 volvo 850 wagon, tested alternator and battery both checked out fine. Had car towed and seems as though wrecker driver might have forced gear selector out of park. Very loose in park position seems stripped and engages into gear without pressing down on brake. Car only starts with a jump start and wiggle of the shifter.

 

Hi Swede, welcome to VolvoForums.

On the sedan I had I could shift the car out of park without the brake or pushing the button.

You likely have a bad PNP switch. Go over the www.MatthewsVolvoSite.com and search PNP or Google Volvo 850 PNP Switch and you should find the results.

 

You replaced the starter with a rebuilt, new or used ??
Who tested the alternator and battery ??

You may have two problems. Needing to be jumped indicates that either the cars battery isn't up to the task or you have bad connections at the terminals. I'd have the battery tested again just to make sure.

When you say "wiggle" I'm thinking you're moving it down toward reverse ?? The PNP, also called a neutral safety switch would be the likely cause.

What was the original problem you had and did you need to jump the battery and or wiggle the shifter before this towing incident ??