Nissan Repair: Nissan Sentra Wagon Transmission Problem, nissan sentra, nissan wingroad

Question
Hi, I have a 1997 Nissan AD Wagon (Sentra Wagon) right hand drive.  every time i try to move the gear shifter from P to any gear selection - the shifter refuses to move unless i press the gear lock button (a small red button)located near the shifter.  i always press brakes before i try to change the gears.  i also have a Nissan Wingroad (a luxury version of the same wagon) with almost identical engine and transmission and the second car doesnt have any red button and the system works fine.  i have also observed many people with the same car seem to be having the same problem.  i would appreciate if you could help me out.  thnx a lot in advance.

Answer
Vimal,

The shift interlock is to keep the shifter from coming out of park when unless the brake has been applied.  This keeps the vehicle from moving if someone was to shift, by accident, into a gear without having their foot on the brake.  It seems to me that the brake switch for your car has been changed and now has a red button to press instead.  I have never seen one with this button.  But, I could be wrong.  If it were me I would source a safety interlock (brake) switch and wire it to the brake pedal assembly and eliminate the red switch.