2005 gxp shift prob

[jfunsch]

I have a 2005 Bonneville GXP. It was last driven on C/Mas eve in a snowstorm. Since then the transmission will not shift back up to park or all the way back to low 1. I have looked at all the linkage as best as possible with the very full engine compartment. Don't see an obstruction. What are the odds of something falling down thru the console and casuing this type problem? Also, why does the battery run down just because the key doesn't come out in neutral?
Please advise

[maxwedge]

You must dig deeper into the linkage to find the problem.

[jfunsch]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

You must dig deeper into the linkage to find the problem.

I tore the trim from around the shifter on the console. It acts as though the release on the shifter does not disengage the shift lever. If I reach under and pull it down, it will shift thru all gears including park...can't tell what is causing it, just see how to work around it