How to override shiftlock on AW55-50 when battery is disconnected

Automatic transmissions often has a safety feature named shiftlock, which prevents you from moving the gearstick from Park. When you push the brake pedal the gearstick will be unlocked.

The shiftlock is electronically controlled. So after disconnecting the battery the shiftlock will always be locked and you can't move the gearstick from Park.

This is inconvenient when performing mechanic works on the car, or if you have an electronic failure and have to tow your car.

So how can we override this? This guide will show you how to to it on AW55-50 transmissions.

On earlier models, you simply pull up the cover around the gearstick. Inside you will find a white thingy you can push down to release the lock. You can feel the button as soon as you put your hand inside.

2002 Volvo S80

On later models, it is almost the same thing. You could remove the cover around the gearstick, but it may be easier to remove the side panel on the left side of the gearstick. Down at the bottom you will find a yellow thingy that has to be pushed backwards to release the shiftlock.

2005 Volvo XC70