2004 Volvo S40 stuck in neutral
120

Asked by CLNmssy Sep 22, 2012 at 07:58 PM about the 2004 Volvo S40

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2004 Volvo S40 automatic transmission. Two days ago I accidentally spilled water onto the
shifter, but I have done this a number of times over the years with no consequences. The next day I went
to take it from park to drive, and it got stuck in neutral. I had to get it towed. The tow truck driver stuck
a screw driver in the small square box to the bottom left of the shifter. Within seconds he got the car into
drive. I drove it home and parked it. He theorized the water was the problem and it would take a few
days to dry out. Today I wanted to see if it had recovered. I attempted to take it from park to drive, but
it got stuck in neutral. After messing around with a screw driver, I was able to get it from neutral to drive
but never back past neutral into park. At present the car still has the keys in the ignition and is sort of
off but still in neutral.  Also the computer says "GEAR SERVICE REQUIRED".

5 Answers
120

CLNmssy answered 12 years ago

Figured I would update this post in case anyone else comes across it in a similar situation. Turns out the gear shaft (the panel where you move from Drive, Neutral, Reserve and Park) was COMPLETELY rusted out on the inside because I had spilled water down there for a number of years. Had to be completely replaced, cost me $400! Good luck

12 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
50

johnrnewlin answered 9 years ago

I have a similar issue. I am now thinking it wont be that bad if all to cost me is $400. Thanks for your posting the solution to this problem here CLNmssy!

5 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
40

GuruZ3L3D answered 6 years ago

right or you can buy the part on e bay or any other place for around $50 and take your shifter and stereo out unscrew everything and un clip it. lot are just clips. and maybe 2 hrs to do it and put it back together its called automatic shift lock micro switch i have a 06 volvo s40 2.4i none turbo same prob mine got stuck in neutral would'nt come out of it. but if there under a 2008 its got the black safty release to fix it. so you do not call for a tow use a screw driver and push it towards the dash at same time your putting it in gear

4 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

GuruZJLNT answered 6 years ago

I had same issue right now, my question after i unlocked and shift the gear into drive am i able to drive the car far like im now in LA and my home is santa maria its 144miles away. Any idea? Thanks in advance.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

S40

Looking for a Used S40 in your area?

CarGurus has 10 nationwide S40 listings starting at $2,000.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Volvo S40 Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    venom5150
    Reputation
    1,140
  • #2
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    530
  • #3
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    410
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volvo S60
10 Great Deals out of 105 listings starting at $4,990
Used Volvo S80
6 listings starting at $5,499
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995
Used Honda CR-V
103 Great Deals out of 3,896 listings starting at $1,795
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.