LTZ stuck in Park

[chevygal1998]

My 98 LTZ is SOMETIMES not allowing me to shift out of park. The button on the shifter will not depress either. This car normally just sits and is only driven once a month or less.
Once turning the wheel allowed me to engage the gear and once switching the ignition on but not starting the engine worked. Is the gear button gunked up or do I have a problem with a break switch??

[Kooterskkar]

It sounds to me like the park lock release solenoid is screwed up. Is it a column or console mount shifter?

[cadgear]

It'd be a console shift, these columns (afaik) don't have buttons to press to shift outta park. Just the brake.

With the ignition on, but the engine not running, press the brake pedel in until you hear a click. If no click's heard, that's probably the problem.

[chevygal1998]

Originally Posted by Kooterskkar

It sounds to me like the park lock release solenoid is screwed up. Is it a column or console mount shifter?

Its down on the console....

[chevygal1998]

Originally Posted by cadgear

It'd be a console shift, these columns (afaik) don't have buttons to press to shift outta park. Just the brake.
With the ignition on, but the engine not running, press the brake pedel in until you hear a click. If no click's heard, that's probably the problem.

....I'm not hearing anything when pressing the brake with the ignition on. What kind of money are we talking about for repair...is it a do-it-yourself job??

[cadgear]

It'd be a do-it-yourself type deal, if you want to put some elbow grease into it. No idea on parts/labor charge, though it shouldn't be through the roof.

[richtazz]

I agree it's the park interlock solenoid (it doesn't allow you to shift out of park without first depressing the brake pedal.) when they go bad, the car will not shift from park.