If your cable is bad you might want to take the time and money to replace it. If you are trying to "jump-start" the car by pushing it and then putting it into a gear that might be a little hard to do if the cable is not disengaging the clutch. You could also take a chance on damaging the gear if you force it into second or third with no disengagement of the clutch. Just a thought. I have them rarely. Or was that something else,, hmmm .. ok now I am geting a headache..

Clutch cable is a pretty easy swap.

Search the archives.

I reccommend spending the extra money for a genuine Volvo cable. Don't go the cheap route as I did. After driving several 240s with Volvo cables vs. my cheap cable, the difference was night and day.

Can't tell you about the clutch cable (as mine is hydraulic) but...
You have the process essentially correct. Push car, jump in, turn on ignition, depress clutch, put in second and release clutch quickly but not instantly. Let foot hover over clutch so you can depress it again when the motor catches and you can stop to catch your breath (avoid parked cars, go back to pick up pushers, etc...)!

Mike!

p.s. depending on circumstances you may find that third or first work better for you. First is generally never useful but I have found third good on occasion (depends on car).

Note that if the clutch is bad, you won't be able to jump-start but you could start the car in gear (in this instance first or reverse are best) and then pop it into neutral once moving...Reverse can be very touchy when doing this.

!