What is the reason why a Volvo cannot move when in P gear?
3 Answers
It is caused by an issue with the gear shift solenoid GSM. Replacing the GSM solenoid should resolve the problem. Below are the specific impacts of a BCM failure: Electrical appliances not working: If the BCM is damaged, electrical components such as the sunroof, door locks, lights, wipers, voltage regulator, and multimedia system may not function properly. P gear lock: For automatic transmission models, there may also be a P gear lock situation, significantly affecting the vehicle's gear shifting. Component malfunctions: If the BCM is not completely damaged, there may be issues such as abnormal horn operation, abnormal wiper operation, starting failure, failure of automatic door locking while driving, and central locking malfunction.
Last time I drove my brother's Volvo, I encountered the same issue—it wouldn't move when parked in P gear. After struggling for a while, I found out it was actually a faulty brake switch, requiring me to press the brake pedal to shift out of P gear. But the problem was, pressing the brake had no response—the brake lights didn’t even turn on, and upon checking, the fuse wasn’t blown either. This is common in cars with electronic gear shifting. The Volvo’s transmission control module or gear lever sensor might be malfunctioning, and once there’s an issue, it won’t allow movement. Later, I called a tow truck to take it to the dealership. The technician said they also needed to check the key battery, as sometimes it fails to recognize the vehicle’s ready state, which can lead to the gear getting locked. In such cases, the safest approach is not to force the gear shift—instead, immediately turn on the hazard lights, pull over, check the manual, or seek assistance to avoid damaging transmission components.
As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I've encountered quite a few instances where my Volvo wouldn't move from Park. Most of the time, it's minor issues—like a faulty brake light circuit connection where a light tap on the brake isn't detected, or the transmission's small motor getting stuck, requiring a short break before trying again. More troublesome are internal electronic problems, such as the gear shift control computer freezing. In such cases, restarting the vehicle might help—turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and then try starting it again. My advice is to first ensure your seatbelt is fastened and check the key position, making sure the gear is firmly pushed into place without hesitation. If that doesn't work, quickly inspect the fuse box for the P-related fuse and try replacing it with a new one. In any case, don't panic—most issues can be handled on your own. If all else fails, call the service hotline for a tow truck. Safety always comes first.
