I am having increasing difficulty in depressing the 'button' for the gear selection on my 850 '96 automatic. Getting to be nearly impossible! Before I take it to the shop, does anyone have an idea what this difficulty might indicate to be the underlying problem? Otherwise the car is running smoothly.
Nancy

If this is an intermittent problem and you cannot shift unless depress the shiftlock release, it's most likely your microswitch, a pretty common problem.

Very helpful. Sounds as if it's a common problem. Thanks much! NG

Let me know if you need A shifter Knob. I can sell you one, replaced mine with leather one.

I had this problem in '97 or '98. My 850 is a '96 like yours and the dealer replaced the button assembly which was under a Volvo recall, so the dealer did not charge me. Check to see if your 850 had the recall work done.

Thanks for the message. Very helpful! NG

Sounds like something in the gear shift mechanism is out of adjustment, broken, or bent.