automatic shifter problem key won't go to lock position

[maxima]

this is my sister's car. i messed it up. i had a shifter that i was going to put on my sisters 01 celica auto. i tried to install it but it would not work correctly. so i put the stock one back on and i can't get the key to go into the lock position so i can pull it out unless i unscrew the shifter and pull up on it a little until i hear the lock click. also sometimes i can't get the but to depress when i try to get it out of park. is there some sort of adjustment. all i did was take the knob off install another and then reinstall the stock part. i didn't mess with anything else. i thought but just tightening the 2 screws down on the knob that it would work fine. anybody know what is wrong here. thanks.
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[toyomoho]

Most late model cars have a safety interlock to prevent shifting the trans out of Park without having the brake on. This also prevents removing the ignition key without having the selector in Park. Some cars have a cable, others an electric solenoid. Perhaps this system has been misadjusted.

There should be a small tab on the shift console next to the shift lever (when it is in Park). Removing this tab should find a white plastic piece; press on this piece with a pencil, etc to release the shift console from Park.