Nissan Repair: 04 Nissan Sentra, Shifter Problem, nissan sentra, safety interlock

Question
Sentra has 49K on it; On turning on the ignition; I can't get the shifter off Parking position; I used my key to release it & dropped it @ the dealership; I did some research & assumed that problem could be the BOO switch (Brake On-OFF); But the dealership told me that they need to replace the entire shifter assembly ($500); How often does shifter assembly break? Do you think I need second opinion?

Answer
Ravi,

Unless the shifter was wrenched or the car has been in a wreck the shifter should be good.  I would assume the shifter solenoid is sticking or defective.  If you do not have little kids and can live without the safety interlock you can disassemble the shifter and remove the solenoid.  On my 2000 Maxima SE it ended up being that the shifter was dirty and gummed up.  I disassembled it and lubricated it and it was fine.  If you are not going to do the work yourself get a second opinion.