I have to use the damn shiftlock override button to move the gear selector. This is beginning to hurt my thumbs...either that or I have really weak fingers. Browsing these forums, I hear about the shift microswitch but it was mostly in the other volvo models. Does this apply to the 240 as well? or is it something else?

 

Usually it is another piece in the shifter assembly.

Remove the trim ring and inspect. There is one piece in there you can break out and do away with the shiftlock setup.