Pontiac Repair: 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix shift lock release, pontiac grand prix, transmission lock

Question
I have a 2002 Grand Prix SE with the 3.1 V6 w/4 speed auto. When I try to shift out of park (with my foot on the brake pedal) I hear and see the switch on the steering column actuate but the transmission will not release unless i depress the transmission lock release located near the gearshift. How can I diagnose the cause and is this a diy job?

Answer
Hi Mike:

Either the gear shifter in the floor is bad there is a miscro switch in the base of the shifter that goes bad or the wires going to that switch broke off at the base of the shifter. That's all that goes bad with these systems.. take the top of the center console off and take a look down at the connector on the shifter and see if any of the wires broke off if not then chances are the shifter it's self is bad.. I can't say for sure without seeing it but 80% of the issues with these are either the shifter or broken wires the other 20% could be all vkinds of other things from a trans safety swuitch to a wiring issue under the hood etc... Good luck :)
P.S. it's tottaly a DYI job if it's the shifter that is bad.