Chrysler Repair: Sebring: applying brake shifts transmission!, solenoid valves, sebring convertible

Question
I have a 99 Sebring convertible which has had a strange problem. I pressed on the brake and the car jumped backwards. I released the brake and upon applying it the second time I went into reverse even as I was stepping on the brake. I was not on the accelerator at all. I do not understand how this happened. I had a witness to the incident and looked at my feet as we took off the second time in the reverse direction. How did this happen and what can be done to correct this. It is a very dangerous stituation.  

Answer
Hi Bryan,
That is very unusual behavior. The transmission is electronically controlled by solenoid valves and the possibilities are that there is something out of adjustment with the transmissions shift lever which electrically operates the solenoid circuit switches, but I can't see how using the brake could modify anything in the transmission switching; they are really independent parts of the electrical circuits. Please tell me what position the shift lever was set in at the time this happens. Also, have you tried to see what happens when you have placed the shift lever in a different position and stepped on the brake? It is of course unsafe to drive this way until it is resolved. I will be available for another hour to take a follow-up report.
Roland
I would suggest you try this experiment: With the engine off, put the parking brake on firmly to assure the car won't move. Then standing by the side of the car where you can observe the transmission's vertical shift rod have a helper move the shift lever in the cabin from park all the way to the other end of its motion while you observe the motion of the shift lever of the transmission. Then put the cabin shift lever in the position where it was when you observed this behavior. Then start the engine. Then have the helper step on the brake while you watch to see if the transmission's shift lever moves or not from its original position. Let me know what you observe.