There are at least 6 wires going into the switch and cannot be bypassed. The clamshell around the steering column needs to be removed to give you access to the switch on the left hand side.
The wires all go into a black plastic round connector. Do not take this apart! You will never get the wires in the proper place again!! Just pull the connector off the aluminum switch and unscrew the switch.
I have had the switch apart by prying the aluminum cover off to expose all of the copper/gold parts. If the contacts just need a little bending to make it better, do it. If the contacts are worn off...
If you turn the key to the first position, I imagine you could drive the car using a screwdriver to turn the electrical portion. I would rather you put the screws back and just leave the clamshell off.

Klaus
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Volvoless. Sold the R. There is now a void...