Nissan Repair: Sentra wont go in gear, nissan sentra, shift lock

Question
98 Nissan Sentra, automatic.  I start it, put foot on brake, but cannot depress the button on the gear shift to put it in drive.  Has happened intermittently over past couple weeks.  After a minute or so, it's OK.  What is the problem?  Thanks.

Answer
Susan,

The car is equipped with a shifter safety interlock.  There is a contact switch on the brake pedal and when you press it and the ignition is on it releases the shift lock.  Either the solenoid in the shifter is sticking and needs replaced or the contact switch on the brake pedal arm is worn out.