Chrysler Repair: 1999 Sebring: wont shift into gears/release key, linkage mechanism, 42 cent stamps

Question
QUESTION: My son has a Sebring and he called me and said that the car would not shift into park or any other gear but neutral.  He has been told that it could be a sensor, drive belt, linkage or the transmission.  How can we find out for sure which one of theses is correct? Because the car won't shift into park, he can't get his key out.

ANSWER: Hi Lora,
There are two sorts of Sebring cars, one a convertible and one a coupe. They are entirely different so I can't be specific about what to do. The procedure for the coupe is more complicated than for the convertible, as well.
It is possibly only a problem with the linkage mechanism between the gear shift lever and the lever on the transmission itself that actually changes the gears.  On the coupe there is also a connection between the shift lever and the key cylinder which could be involved.
It is probably most quickly solved by a dealer that knows the adjustment procedure. But I would believe that those parts of the shift mechanism are what need adjustment not a sensor/drive belt/transmission itself that is the problem here. So don't buy into anything more complex than an adjustment to the shifter/keylock/transmission shift rod interconnections.  
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: He has the convertible.  Where is the linkage located and what kind of adjustment would need to be made?  Since the car won't shift into Park, he can't get his key out.  Is this a normal thing?

Thanks for your quick response.

Answer
Hi Lora,
I mis-spoke about the convertible not having the key interlock issue. It does too, like the coupe. There are 12 pages in the manual that describe the entire set-up and how to remove/install/adjust it, so it is not practical to send this to you by email. If you have the time I can xerox copy and mail the pages to you. It costs me 10 cents per side so if you would agree to send me back four 42-cent stamps to cover my costs after you receive the pages I will do so. Just tell me a postal mailing address to which to send them. Otherwise a mechanic familiar with the mechanism will be the best solution. Every mechanical device can fail/get out of adjustment, but I cannot say how common this problem is. If you or your son are inclined to 'get into' the issue these pages will show how. Or you could go to some mechanic that you trust who may not be familiar with the system and these would provide him/her the necessary information.
Roland