I just thought I'd post a simple method to defeat the shift lock system which causes such a headache when the microswitch fails. In my case the solenoid was working but the microswitch did not - so I could fire the solenoid by bridging the microswitch with a piece of wire. I noticed that when the solenoid engaged (to permit shifting) there appeared on the left side of the solenoid plunger a tiny gap. At my workbench I hammered a piece a wire to form a flat surface on one end of the wire (like a feeler guage) and then I inserted my wire into the gap, thereby preventing the solenoid from returning to a position which had caused the shifter the lock. If I had it to do over I would have used a steel wire so that if it were ever to slip out I could easily retrieve it with a magnet. But I have been driving for weeks and I think the wire will remain in there forever unless I extract it intentionally.

Ouch. My model is a 1995. Would you happen to know more about the regulation? Is it a reg that applies to all cars or just one that says that an owner cannot modify a system that a manufacturer has put in place. At least this is sorta easy to reverse - I just need to withdraw the wire from the gap.

I wish I could use his mechanic. Mine checks everything including the seat belts latching properly. I can't get away with anything! I really wouldn't have it any other way. That's why I use him.

In all seriousness I used to have my fog lights wired illegally in terms of coming on with the high-beams. I would simply just remove the bypass on the lights for safety inspection and replace it when the car passed.

unless when you go in for inspection you have a sign on the front windshield detailing how clever you are tell me on what basis is an inspector going to know?

every single inspector i have ever seen over decades of having this done has never once really looked at my car in the completeness their own manuals demand.

every one without exception has their own fussy areas of importance: for some it is ball joints, for others it was the emergency brake, tire tread depth and for at least one it was license plate lights (go figure).

with that said i suspect you can breathe easy as i doubt the 'volvo safety police'
are yet funded in their cubicle at homeland sec. inc!

I have a tacit understanding with my inspector: he won't scrutinize my work if I won't scrutinize his. Anyway, it seems that not many cars even have this "foot on the brake rule" so he may be unaware of it - except maybe for Audis, of course.