I just purchased a 98 Volvo S70 GLT. The car won't shift out of the park without pressing the shift lock override button and even then it's kind of a pain sometimes. I heard there is a microswitch and a brake switch but I can't locate either of them to check them...

can someone please point me to how to diagnose and locate these switches?

 

You are also applying the footbrake when you try, one presumes??

 

Yes you are correct. I even mentioned the brake switch in my post...

Do automatic very vehicles exist that dont require a foot on the brake?

 

Not that I'm aware of, but thats why are asked.
Its amazing how often people have complained that they can't get out of 'P' and it transpires that in their rush or flustered state have omitted to apply the brake.
Maybe you should see what a fault code reader can turn up.
Is the transmission operating smoothly otherwise?

The link below shows a diagram which may assist you.

http://www.volvopartswebstore.com/sh...ey_trimLevel=0

 

Haha well I certainly understand that has got to happen alot. But Yes this has been a recurring problem for awhile. The previous owner mentioned that it always requires the shift lock button to be depressed to release the shifter.

Okay so what does that button actually do? And what does the shift lock micro switch do? It's in the shifter assembly so it isn't sensing the brake pedal. What does it do?! And could I just bypass the switch and it be able to function? That way I could test to see if the switch is at fault?

 

You likely have a bad ignition switch. Try wiggling the key a little to see if that lets it out.