Volvo Repair: 1991 volvo 240 issue, volvo 240, rocket scientist

Question
after my car sits over night, when i get in the car in the morning hit brake press button on shifter to get into R or D the button does not depress, therefore i am stuck for quite a while. i have been sticking my finger down the shifter and moving a plastic yellow lever back and forth unitl i can get the car in drive or reverse. i have got to fix this or to me the car should be burned to the ground. i have kept this car babied on every mile, but this shifter problem makes me think more than once to chunk it to the dumpster for sell the remainder for parts. this seems like a simple issue and the dealer act stumped over it, kept my car a week and said bu, bu, uh, bu, uh du nu ...  do i need a  rocket scientist?  

Answer
Paige, dont get mad at something dumb like that shifter.  This is one of the best Volvos.  Remember that you have to put your foot on the pedal fully.  Check the fuse that says shift lock and see if its burnt.  If not, I bypass this function by removing the plastic inside the shifter.  I would suggest a Volvo shop to do this.  Merry Christmas.  Roger