960 no start / slam door first

hello, we have a nice '96 960 with about 100,000 miles. a very nice car.
purchased maybe 6 years ago when it had 38,000 miles. twice now, (last
Sunday!), we put the key in the ignition, turn, and see all the nice dash
lights come on. we even hear somthing in the back (feul pump), but the
starter makes no sound what so ever! it sort of behaves like it might be in
gear. so we pushed that button and manually took it out of park and to
drive, then back to park. did this a few times, but it made no difference.
when it happened the first time, we acidently slammed the right passenger
door a big harder than usual, and presto! it started right up. this time, i
thought i would be a real "expert" and checked the fuses (under the hood).
they were all good. so i tapped on the relays that are there next to the
fuses. all to no effect.

but upon slamming the hood closed, it started right up! so, this has
happened only twice in 60,000 miles, but it sure is concerning when it does
happen. any ideas of what to change out? thanks

 

-------------> there is a new part to this! on the way home tonight, a
yellow arrow begins to flash near the temp guage while the little lights on
the transmission flash between winter, sport, economy. i guess there is a
shift position sensor that is bad. the transmission was stuck in 3rd gear
until i did the 5-key-turn reset. going to take it to the dealer tomorrow.

 

All of your syptoms sound like the PNP switch has failed.

You can indeed replace this yourself.. if you dare.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo

 

-------------------> the only volvo dealer in indianapolis is $300 richer,
but now we have a new shift position sensor installed and all is okay. what
would be the purpose of this switch -- other then the obvious (please don't
start me when i am in gear)? does it really sense shift position, or just
whether it is in PARK or not? is the switch located inside the car, under
the center console, or under the car?
thanks, bill

 

Given the work involved, that's a pretty damn good price IMO.

The switch does indeed sense what position the gear shift lever is in.
The transmission is completely electronically controlled, and I believe
(but have never actually taken a look at the thing) that there's no sort
of mechanical linkage between the shifter and the transmission.

I imagine the switch is under the console, under the car, in the
transmission tunnel. Take a look at the brickboard's 700/900 FAQ for more
details (inclusing what replacement involves). I believe that the factory
sanctioned method of replacing the switch involves dropping part of the
exhaust system.

- alex

'85 244 Turbo

 

This is located on the side of the transmission, out in the weather. It
tells the transmission control unit which gear you have the selector in,
as well as locking out the starter and turning on the reverse lights
when in the appropriate position.