98 Accord - Stuck in Park & No Brake Lights

I have a 1998 Honda Accord and I'm having problems, I think with the brake pedal.

When the car in placed in PARK, normally I have to push the brake pedal in to release the gear shifter, however, that no longer works. Every time the car is placed in PARK now, I have to pop the cover plate from the Gear Shifter and push in a little white release button, that allows me to take the car out of park. I have no other problems with the gear shifter in any other gear. It used to only get stuck for a moment, but now it doesn't work at all and I have to rely on the old "pop-the-cover-plate" deal.

I've also noticed that the brake lights no longer come on.

Is there a sensor on the brake pedal? Let me re-prhase that. Is there a cheap, and easily replaced sensor on the brake pedal? If so, anyone know if it is a Dealer Part or can I get one at any auto-parts store?

John
Thanks for your help.

yes there is a switch on the brake pedal bracket and yes you can get them at your dealer, but I would check and make sure that is the problem before you go spending the money. I dont know if they are available at an auto parts store, but if the switch is bad I would definately check there first because they tend to be alot cheaper than the dealer for parts.

I had a similar problem on my civic...it started out not wanting to go into gear....until I popped the cover plate off and moved it to get into gear....and then one day it wouldn't start. It ended up having a bad cell on the battery..and I had to get the battery replaced..hope that helps.