Stuck Gear shift?

Hello..I will try and explain to this to the best of my knowledge..I have a 2001 Passat, 62,000 miles V6 automatic. 2 days ago I noticed that as soon as I start the car, the gear indicator lights (on dash behind steering wheel) are ALL lit..Not just the Park light..So, I step on the brake as usual to shift into reverse or drive...and the gear shift is stuck..I have to wait about 10-20 seconds, then it frees up. All the indicator lights are still lit, so it doesn't specify what gear I am behind the steering wheel. If I move the gear shift around too much before I put it in drive, it feels like it may be in a different slot than regular Drive..Like maybe 3 or 2..it just feels a bit more sluggish when I step on the gas..Also, for the past 2 weeks or so, when I slow down in traffic or just coming to a stop light, I sometimes here a thump in the back..(nothing in my trunk) It kind of sounds like something under the car. Other than that, my car runs normal..No stalling, no bucking, nothing else seems out of whack..It is going in to be checked later this week, but just wanted some ideas on to what this may be and if it is going to cost a fortune? Thanks for any help! Also the check engine light went on the same day my gear shift problems started..

ever notice the carpet wet on the passenger front floor?

About 1 month ago my back passenger side floor was wet, but I blamed that on a water bottle that was wedged under the front passenger seat. Could that be connected to the gear issue? Thanks for responding.

the transmission control module is located on the passenger front floor. The wires are exposed to elements (melting snow turning into water then corroding wires...) If the wires were corroded they can short out the module (1200.00 repair!! =( )

you might have a bad brake light switch, also common problem (100.00 ) the switch allows the solenoid that locks the shifter in place move so you can change gears. (easiest way to check is have someone look at the brake lights when you cant get it out of park)