[DGB454]

I think the problem is in the selector gear. It's a plastic gear located behind the key cylinder. It has notches in it for each gear. The largest notch is where park is. I think what might have happened is that this large notch/hump was broken off or at the very least partially broken. This would cause the problems you described like just sliding into gear without pulling the shift lever towards you. The reason it may lock into park on occassion might be because the broken part is getting lodged but breaks free once you mess with it some. The good news is the part if fairly inexpensive. Between $10.00 and $20.00. You can order it from Original parts group or I found one in Year One. I believe they both have websites.