Starting and driving

Shift Lock

~3min read

On the Volvo S80 (2nd generation, 2013–2016), the selector lever lock provides additional safety when shifting the automatic transmission. This section describes the mechanical and automatic locks and how they function in everyday driving. Special notes cover manual deactivation when the battery is discharged. Tips on safe handling support the driver in exceptional situations.

There are two different types of selector lever lock: mechanical and automatic.

Mechanical selector lever lock

M: Manuelles Schalten10 - "+/-"- oder Sport- Modus.
M: Manual shifting10 - "+/-" or Sport mode.

The selector lever can be moved freely forward and back between positions N and D.

The other positions can be released with the release button on the selector lever.

When the release button is pressed, the lever can be moved forward or backward between positions P, R, N and D.

Automatic selector lever lock

The automatic transmission has special safety systems:

Park position (P)

Vehicle stationary with engine running:

  • Keep your foot on the brake pedal when moving the selector lever to another position.

Electric shift lock - Shiftlock Park position (P)

Before the selector lever can be moved from position P to another gear position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition must be in position II.

Shift lock - Neutral (N)

If the selector lever is in position N and the vehicle has been stationary for at least 3 seconds (regardless of whether the engine is running), the selector lever is locked.

Before the selector lever can be moved from position N to another gear position, the brake pedal must be depressed and the ignition must be in position II.

Deactivating the automatic selector lever lock

Automatische Wählhebelsperre deaktivieren

If the vehicle cannot be driven, for example because the battery is discharged, the selector lever must be moved out of position P so that the vehicle can be moved.

Lift the rubber mat in the compartment behind the center console and look for a hole for the key blade at the bottom of the compartment.

Locate the spring-return button at the bottom of the hole with the key blade, press it down and hold it.

Move the selector lever out of position P and pull out the key blade.

4. Put the rubber mat back in place.

Related information

- Automatic transmission - Geartronic*

- Automatic transmission - Powershift

10 The illustration is schematic.

11 There may be 2 holes: one for the key blade and one to which the rubber mat is attached.

The selector lever lock of the Volvo S80 (2nd gen) is an important safety system that prevents unintended gear changes. Whether mechanical or automatic, both variants ensure that the driver can operate the transmission only with the brake pedal depressed and the ignition in the correct position.

In an emergency, the lock can be released manually, for example if the battery is flat. This well-designed system contributes to safe handling and supports the driver in all driving conditions.

FAQ

How do I deactivate the automatic selector lever lock if the battery is flat?
Lift the rubber mat behind the center console, press the button with the key blade and move the selector lever.

Why is the selector lever lock important?
It prevents unintended gear changes and protects against uncontrolled vehicle movement.

Test yourself

A quick Volvo S80 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.