I want a diagnosis on a Volvo 92 940 that rattles when it is about shift into 2nd. gear? Is it the trans?

Question

About a week ago the car wouldn't start, and I started the car on neutral. I read this on a website that the automatic transmission switch is faulty. I want to know if this corralates to the problem I am having

Answer 1

either the switch is bad or your linkage is out of adjustment wiggle the shifter in park while holding the key in start position to see if it will start if not its probably the switch.
as for the rattle probably not related put the shifter in manual 1st accelerate until it rattles it will probably do it at a certain engine rpm. exhaust sheilds often rattle like this. if its the trans it will shudder more than rattle. hope this helps
transmission shop owner.

Answer 2

You are speaking of two different problems here. If you actually have a defective neutral safety switch that doesn't allow you to start the car in Park, that's an easy fix.
The rattle you speak of might be spark knock (pinging) from the engine and may be cured by a timing adjustment or using higher octane gas.
At any rate, you should have both problems diagnosed by a competent mechanic who knows these cars.

Answer 3

The switch you are referring to is probably the PNP switch, which is used to detecte that the brake pedal is depressed so the gear shift lever can be moved from Park or Neutral to Drive or Reverse. That has nothing to do with any kind of rattle. I would get under the car and check for loose exhaust components before anything else.

Answer 4

for the no start the other answers should suffice. for the rattle ,in addition to exhaust heat shield inspection the engine mounts should also be inspected [they are liquid filled and tend to collapse at higher mileages] the tip off is that the oil pan is very close to the front cross-member now and the torque of acceleration is causing the oil pan to touch the cross-member [note the mounts are pretty expensive for this car] so have it checked professionally
note 2 also possible the shifter bushings may be shot [and indeed this could cause both problems] good luck hope this helps