Nissan Repair: Gear gets Stuck, shift lock, maxima

Question
I have a automatic 2001 Maxima and when I try to shift from park to reverse, it gets stuck.  I have to press on the brakes at least 4 times before it unlocks and allows me to shift to reverse gear.  Can you tell what the problem is and if/how I can fix it myself.  Thank you.

Answer
The shifter interlock switch on the brake pedal is going out or is out of adjustment.  Look up under the dash and you should see two switches that are depressed when the brake is not being pushed.  One of these works the brake lights and the other works the shifter interlock.  Check the adjustment and if that fails to correct the problem the switch should be replaced.  The shift lock seldom fails so I would go with the switch first.