Volvo S80 stuck in park with steering column unlocked on Volvo S80

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Volvo S80 owners report experiencing issues with their vehicle being stuck in park while the steering column is unlocked. A common cause for this problem is a faulty interlock shifter solenoid, which prevents the gear lever from moving unless the brake pedal is pressed. Additionally, past spills may lead to the column lock cable sticking, and owners are advised to check if the brake lights activate during the issue. If the steering column lock module is malfunctioning, it may require replacement, necessitating the removal of the steering column cowl. Furthermore, some owners find that the shift interlock cable may be dirty or improperly adjusted, leading to binding issues. In certain cases, cutting the negative wire to the steering lock mechanism has been attempted, although this could prevent the steering column from locking in the future. It is crucial for owners to accurately diagnose the cause to implement the most effective solution.

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