Subaru Repair: Shift Lock Solenoid, subaru impreza, shift lock

Question
I have a 95 subaru impreza wagon.  The shift lock release button locks up in
the cold weather, so I can't shift from park to drive.  I had it looked at, and
the mechanic says it needs a new shift lock solenoid which costs $287.  
Before I go ahead with the fix, I'd like to ask a few questions:
1 - Is this assessment correct?
2 - Is $287 a fair price?
3 - Could I fix this on my own?

Answer
What happens and is often mis diagnosed is that the shift lock solenoid armature becomes sticky from pop and coffee being spilt into the shifter which sits just below the cup holder.  The pivot point for the shift lock solenoid armature hangs up and is just like the solenoid doesn't work when in reality its just that the solenoid isn't strong enough to deal with the sticky pop and coffee.  What you can do is take the shifter assembly apart just enough to gain access to the lock out solenoid armature and spray some glass cleaner in it preferably the aerosol can type, this should fix it.

Justin

All Wheel Drive Auto