[old_master]

If the vehicle is parked on an incline, uphill or downhill, it puts excess stress on the parking pawl in the transmission, requiring additional effort on the shift lever to release the pawl. Try parking on a level surface. If this is not the case, check the solenoid that locks the shift linkage. It's located on the steering column under the dash. Make sure it is free and working every time. Look for possible binding or a loose electrical connection. If you turn the ignition switch on, (without the engine running) and depress the brake pedal, there should be a slight audible "click" from the solenoid each time you depress the brake.