94 945, 82K miles.

Up until yesterday I never had to use the shift lock override. Now I have to use it virtually all the time. Sounds like a switch or circuit failed. Here are my questions:

1. Is this important? I've read other posts on the board here that suggest that the eventual result will be that the car will not start. Does it usually get that bad?
2. What is the most likely cause? I've read a couple of ideas but they're more typical in 850's.
3. Is this something I should attempt to fix myself? If it is the microswitch, is the process similar to what is posted as instructions for the 850?
4. Anybody else had this problem with a 940? I see posts about 960's and 240s and 850's but no other 940's yet. Maybe I just have taken enough time to read all the nitty gritty details.

Markus

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'94 940, '92 240, ancient tube amplifiers, 40 linear feet of vintage jazz, r'&'b, funk and soul, engaged in the so-called 'spiritual' side of things, too.