Lock out (park lock?) solenoid in '98?

[ranger]

1998 Cutlass (Malibu) difficult to shift from Park on cold day - The BTSI (Brake Transmission Shift Interlock) is disconnected and I have lubricated the linkage workings within the console.

But..............still having problem. Would this be my lock out solenoid? key ignition cylinder?

As you know, key ignition cylinder is in dash, not the steering column. Anyone have instructions for removing the dash (or enough of it) to try to lubricate or R&R key ignition cylinder or lock out solenoid?

Thanks in advance

Bill

[ranger]

Follow-up

The problem seems to be in the console shifting linkage (not in the cable leading directly to the transaxle, but the floor shifting mechanism itself). Today I took the console apart and disconnected both cables, one electrical and one not, leading to both shift interlock switches and still, at times, it was not possible to push in the button to allow shifting from Park.

Linkage seems to be binding up in the Park position, most likely due to wear (150k miles) and tear. I really don't want to go to General Motors (or a salvage yard) to buy parts to repair the problem, so I tried a simple fix to keep the linkage from returning to that "exact" spot where it seems to want to stick. Won't know for awhile whether it is a permanent fix.

Thought I would send this along - I know that mine isn't the only car having the problem of being unable to shift from Park on a cold day. At least this is what I hope to be the solution for my car.

Bill

[dyardley]

I am having the same problem and started a previous thread to discuss.

Did your's shift from Park after the car warmed up or after the first start of the day? Could this have anything to do with the starter? I had a new one put in during the summer.

Any additional details on your fix would be helpful.