Q: I have a 2006 Volvo s40 that is getting stuck in neutral. If you shift quickly in one motion it will go into drive. When you shi

asked by on January 03, 2018

I have a 2006 Volvo s40 that is getting stuck in neutral. If you shift quickly in one motion it will go into drive. However, When you shift from drive to park it stops and gets stuck in neutral. I can manually move the lever on the side and it shifts. I replaced the shift sensor but it did not help

My car has 176000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi Kyle. Thanks for contacting us today. Typically, this type of issue is caused by either a faulty brake switch, debris in the shifter housing, internal transmission problems or a faulty shift interlock mechanism. The first thing I’d do is verify that your brake lights are working properly to rule out the brake switch and remove the shifter housing to inspect for debris. If everything checks out ok, it might be a better idea to have a professional mechanic complete an on-site inspection to determine if this is a mechanical issue with the shifter or internal problem.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What’s the proper way to disconnect the battery
In normal operation, your battery should recharge while the engine is running (the alternator should supply all the power needed). However, if the car has set for some time, it’s possible that the battery may be low. To charge it,...
What does the A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message mean?
The A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp message can appear on your driver information center (DIC). When the DIC displays this alert, it means that the coolant in the engine is too hot, and the engine is not able...
Car is totally dead
Sounds like you might not be getting any power out of the battery. Car batteries are 12.6 v. when they are fully charged. If the voltage is 10.5v. The car won't crank but all the accessories will still function. At...
What can cause engine not to crank
Hi, thanks for writing in. This can happen for many reasons such as over torquing the plugs when tightening them, or previously stripped threads in the cylinder. In either case, the result is the plug will result in being blown...
Misfire codes and no-start. What could it be?
Fault codes for P0300 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0300-obd-ii-trouble-code-random-multiple-cylinder-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker), P0301 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0301-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-1-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker), P0302 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0302-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-2-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker), etc. indicate misfires. P0301 would indicate cylinder #1 misfiring, P0302 would indicate cylinder #2 misfiring,etc. Code P2159 has to do with the VTEC system malfunction. If all this started after the...
My car is shaking when i stop. I was told i need new rotors. How much would that be including parts and labor
Not only would you need to replace the rotors but you would need to replace brake pads and rotors at the same time. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-rotor-disc-replacement) The rotors are causing the car to shake when stopping. (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-pedal-vibrates-or-shakes-inspection) The brake pads will have...
OD2 scanner read trouble code P0101
Your computer may not be able to correctly interpret the data from the mass airflow sensor on your engine causing the P0101 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/-p0101-obd-ii-trouble-code-mass-airflow-maf-circuit-operating-range-or-performance-problem-by-john-nelson) code to keep returning. The manufacturer has a Technical Service Bulletin (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-use-a-technical-service-bulletin-tsb-to-diagnose-and-repair-a-car-by-valerie-johnston) that came out January 30th...
How do I remove heater core in a 1994 nissan pickup
Hello, thank you for writing in. The heater core is a difficult component to get to. Typically, you must go through a lengthy process of accessing the core from behind the dash. Once you have access to it, you can...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volvo XC90
While While the trend seems to be the bigger the vehicle the better, the 2012 Volvo XC90 proves that you can combine seven-passenger seating with a smaller size – without overly sacrificing comfort. For those who want a smaller footprint...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...
How to Get Volvo Dealership Certified
Volvo dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the Volvo Service Automotive Factory Education program.