My car won't start in park unless I pull the gera selector down toward reverse while I am turning the key at the same time. Also back up lights do not work while in reverse; rather between reverse and neutral. Sounds as if there should be a fairly straight forward answer, I just don't know it.

Remove cover at base of gear selector (the box with P..R..etc..on it), there is a pin which engages the safty switch...which is adjustable...when out of adjustment, the starter will not engage and sometimes the selection of gears indicated are off...the backup lites may be a poor connection at the reverse indentation.....most aftermarket manuals can walk you through this....hope this helps...Al

Ken,

If you remove 2 small screws in the front of your gear selector cover you can pull it up and access the start inhibitor switch adjustment on the right side of the selector mechanism.

Check that N and P marks on inhibitor switch are opposite the small switch lever in neutral and park positions. If not - unscrew 2 bolts and adjust switch.

From Volvo manual: If reversoing light flashes when vehicle is reversed, move switch contact 1 mm (0.04 in.) forward. After adjustment make sure that vehicle can only be started in "P" and "N"

Hope this helps.