Volvo 3.0L Shift Linkage Stuck

[tgell001]

Was getting the boat ready to start the season in the driveway and went to pump the gas before attempting to start it like I always have to and couldn't get the throttle to move into drive or reverse. The button depresses but wont move forward or back. I can push in the center button and moving it to work the throttle but the linkage seems to be froze. I've greased the cables on my motorcycles before but I don't know where the grease points are on this cable or rather is there a mechanical linkage somewhere that is external to the cable that is the likely culprit. Thanks

2010 Volvo 3.0L in a Stingray 180RX.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo 3.0L Shift Linkage Stuck

First things first, gotta determine if it's a control or cable or drive issue. Start by disconnecting the cable at the drive, and manually shifting the drive by hand. If it shifts fine then the drive is ok. Then disconnect cable from the controller and try again. If it moves forward and backward ok then you have a cable issue.

Most modern cables cannot be greased, and you'll be better off to simply replace it (if the cable is at fault of course). The ends of the cable sheathing have a product number stamped on them. The last 2 digits will be the length in feet of the cable.

 

[tgell001]

Re: Volvo 3.0L Shift Linkage Stuck

The connection at the drive is located where? Is it on the transom or at the lower unit?

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo 3.0L Shift Linkage Stuck

On the drive, starboard side. Just look at the unit and you'll see where the black cable comes out of the transom and goes behind the drive cover (plastic cover at top of drive, help on with 5 bolts). This cover needs to come off to see the shift linkage. Do you have a manual?

 

[tgell001]

Re: Volvo 3.0L Shift Linkage Stuck

I have a manual just haven't looked at it in a while. And I'm pretty familiar with that spot in the transom because I replaced the trim hydraulics. I just couldn't visualize the routing of that cable and wanted to know where to begin to look for the linkage.

Man I hope its just the cable, year 5 has involved a battery, water pump, alternator and a fuel pump. Been an expensive month

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Volvo 3.0L Shift Linkage Stuck

The inside of the cables have a tendency to start corroding with age, especially the shift cable since it goes underwater, especially if the rubber grommets on the drive side become displaced. It is the most common culprit of the symptoms you have going on. I changed mine last year due to hard shifting.

If you worked on the trim then you were working around the shift cable. Just pull the plastic cover off the top of the drive and you'll see it. Best of luck to ya, hopefully it's an easy fix.