2003 Odyssey - Cannot Shift - Shifter Stuck in "Park"

Hi,

I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey with 162,000 Kilometers on it (Canadian Vehicle).

Just recently I've been having intermitent shifting issues....
Our Honda is an automatic, with the shifter on the the column.
The problem will arise when we start the engine, and then try to move the shifter down to "Reverse" or "Drive" - the shifter gets stuck and will not move out of "Park".
The strange thing is we'll turn the van off for a few minutes (maybe 2 min.), and then it seems something resets and we can then use the shifter again....very odd!!

Anyone have any idea what might be causing this issue?
The van has actually been driving perfectly fine, no issues with downshifting, or any of those other transmission issues I've read on this formum. When we do get the column to work, the tranny seems fine - it's like a gremlin is living in the column??:confused:

when it happens again (wont come out of park) have someone else check the brake lights and see if they work, if not the brake switch is bad.

We replace these brake switches alot, and I'd be willing to bet thats whats wrong. Good luck.