We bought a 05 XC 90 in August of 08. The warranty expired 1/31/09. This weekend the shifter started sticking in park and the key would not turn completely off. Took it to the dealer and they couldn't reproduce the problem (Of course) They said it was one of several problems:
1. Shift interlock solonoid
2. cable running from ignition switch to shifter

Each with a estimate of approx $500

I came home and did some looking and was told that I should look at the "automatic shift lock microswitch.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Please help, I don't want the wife and kid to get stranded somewhere.

 

Some Volvo models (not sure about yours) have a "Shift lock override" button somewhere on the console around the shifter so you can get it out of Park. I would guess the shiftlock solenoid is sticking. Sometimes you can remove the shifter unit and clean all the spilled soda, coffee, etc and it will start working properly again.

 

shifter cable. cheapest way to start and most common

 

OK, I removed the center console. I didn't see anything broken. The key would not turn the whole way off, I pushed on the end of the cable and the key released. At that point I started the car and it would not come out of park. I moved the cable a bit and got it out of park. Could the cable need an adjustment? If so any info would be graetly appreciated!!!

Thanks for your help so far.

 

i also have a 05 xc90 t6 i have the same problem only i sprayed silicon spray and it didn't work is there anything else i can do

 

not that i know off. usaully the cable has a kink in it

 

Do not pay for anything when this happens to your car. It is a simple fix. All you have to do is have someone rock your car from the back. With the car's emergency brake off, have someone push your car forward by pushing from the back of the car and your car will release itself and you will be able to shift out of a "stuck" park. I promise. Don't spend a dime on a repair.

I do not know why it happens, but I guarantee that this is a solution. It usually only happens when your volvo is parked on a slight hill with the emergency brake up for an extended period of time. If the key is stuck, turn the steering wheel back and forth and it will be released.

 

Thank you for this advice--we have an XC70 that was completely stuck in Park in our garage. I rocked the car from the back but no luck. I was able to get it out by pushing it from the front. Popped right out of park. Thanks Again!

 

The rocking solution is for a completely different problem. That is evident by the key not coming out of the ignition symptom. 90% cable problem. The automatic shift lock microswitch and the solenoid basically do the same thing. Each car with an automatic transmission has one or the other, but I don't think that is the cause of this issue. Go with the cable.

 

Thank you so much !

Note: this thread is too Google result for "XC90 won't get out of park"

My 2007 XC90 had been parked since the summer because I think the CV axle is about to discombobulate.

I really need to move it for the snow removal. Charged the battery, started fine but the shift stick wouldn't move !

I tried violence, didn't work. Reading, I thought I was going to have to replace my brake switch or attend to my cracked brake light. Maybe even open up the center console and take apart the shifter mechanism.

It was cold, I was about to give up. I was hoping to find a shifter lock override somewhere !! Maybe I should send it to the shop.

Then I read your comment. It couldn't be that easy could it ?

So I put my foot on the hitch, grabbed the snow covered roof rack and tried jumping a little, rocking the car front to back.

Can't back inside, tried the shifter, wouldn't budge.

So I went outside, and attempted the maneuver again.

My foot was on the ball and I was thinking about my friend's wife who fell in the stairs and completely dislocated her foot.

I started rocking it and shifting my weight at the suspension's resonant frequency. If I slip, I am going to the hospital for sure.

And then something went "clonggggg*.

Got back inside, it was very crusty but it went into reverse, then every other gear. I kept going through all the gears and the crust cleared out.

Put it in reverse, have it done gas and the brakes let go. It started moving. Drove to the next entrance. Merry Christmas little XC90.