Gear Selector Assembly

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Fig 1: Identifying Gear Selector Assembly

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA.

The gear selector assembly is in the tunnel console. It is mechanically connected to the transmission by a cable which moves the gear valve. The gear valve is integrated in the Transmission control module (TCM). The gear selected is indicated by a row of LEDs in the top panel on the gear selector assembly.

Gear selector assemblies with Geartronic, in addition to P/R/N/D modes, have a manual (M) shifting mode. The manual gear positions can be selected at any point while driving. The engaged gear is locked until the driver selects another gear. The automatic transmission only down shifts if the vehicle slows down to very low speed. To downshift the gear selector must be moved to minus (-). To upshift the gear selector must be moved to plus (+). At start, 3rd is the highest possible gear.

The engine can only be started in position P or N.

The different gear selector positions:

Position	Meaning	Function
P	Park	The transmission's output shaft is locked, so that the vehicle does not roll. This position should be selected when the engine is started or the vehicle is parked.
R	Reverse	Reverse gear. This mode may only be engaged when the vehicle is completely stationary.
N	Neutral	Neutral means that no gear is engaged. The engine can start and run freely.
D	Drive	When D is engaged, the engine drives the vehicle forward except when idling. The D position is used for all forward motion. Up and down shifting occurs automatically depending on acceleration and speed.
M	Manual	This position allows the driver to change gears manually.