Volkswagen: VW Golf shifter safety button inoperative, allen screw, safety button

Question
1986 VW Golf, automatic transmission was replaced one
year ago.
The button on the shift handle that usually must be
depressed to release the car from park now has no effect,
so the shifter moves freely between park and gears without
depressing the button. Is there an  easy solution?

Answer
it sounds like either the handle needs removing and refitting, or the shift lock is stuck at the base of the lever. try looking around the handle, there may be an allen screw that needs to be removed to allow the top to be removed and refitted. if not then it needs to go to a garage to be done.