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

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.
50

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.
40

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.

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.

Your Answer:

S40

Looking for a Used S40 in your area?

CarGurus has 146 nationwide S40 listings starting at $2,600.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2004 Volvo S40

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

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

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volvo S60
241 Great Deals out of 4,294 listings starting at $1,850
Used BMW 3 Series
969 Great Deals out of 13,517 listings starting at $1,200
Used Volvo S80
13 Great Deals out of 168 listings starting at $1,899
Used Audi A4
333 Great Deals out of 4,075 listings starting at $1,495
Used Toyota Camry
2,122 Great Deals out of 41,885 listings starting at $1,350
Used Volvo C70
10 Great Deals out of 179 listings starting at $4,200

Used Cars for Sale

2011 Volvo S40 For Sale
14 listings starting at $4,000
2010 Volvo S40 For Sale
23 listings starting at $3,000
2009 Volvo S40 For Sale
16 listings starting at $3,995
2008 Volvo S40 For Sale
13 listings starting at $2,995

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.