Automatic Transmission Selector Lever Stuck

[chsbellboy]

Hello all,
I drive a 1994 Camry and I've recently been experiencing some problems. When I go to start the car, the car will not let me shift out of the "P" position, even though the brake petal is depressed. I've read through my driver's manual and found a section on page 168-169 about using a shift lock override button. Following the procedure, I am able to hold down the shift lock override button and change gears into "N" and start the vehicle.
However, this problem occurs almost everytime I go to start my car now. I'm told this might have to do with a solenoid. If anyone is familiar with this problem and knows what would be involved with fixing the vehicle, please let me know.
Thank you for the help in advance!

[ASG14]

Wait, so your saying your car will not START unless it is in Neutral?

[chsbellboy]

No I'm saying that when the engine starts, I can not change gears. I can't change gears while the engine's off for that matter. The gear shift locks in the "P" position.

[ASG14]

This is a common issue. When you press the brake, there is a little switch (you can see if you look under the dash up on the brake pedal) that senses when the b rake is pressed, hence engaging the car to shift out of park. Most likely the switch has broken or gone bad. It's a fairly easy fix.

[ASG14]

It's cold as hell, and pitch black out int he parking lot, so i did the best I could. If I remember correctly, the switch ont he brake pedal is located around where the red "circle" is, on the far side of the pedal.

[chsbellboy]

Thank you for all of the help. Do you know where I can find instructions on how to replace the switch?

[ASG14]

It SHOULD be able to be changed with just a wrench. I'll take a look tomorrow when I go out in the light and let you know. Only time I did it, I ripped the switch out cause I did not need it and it was a car in the junkyard.

[chsbellboy]

Ok. Thanks for the help!