Toyota Repair: transmission shift lever push button/nss, neutral safety switch, dish soap

Question
my daughter has a 1998 toyota avalon, at times the push button to engage the transmission will not push in,  after several attemps the button pushes all the way in and the vehivle can now be put into gear.  can this push button be lubricated?, is the neutral safety switch on its way out. ive read here that some of these can be re-aligned or cleaned.. ty for your time and expertise.

Answer
I don't think it's the NSS, it's more likely something binding up in the shift mechanism, try removing the trim piece around the shifter and spray the moving parts inside with a solution of dish soap and water, sometimes soft drinks get spilled causing the moving interlock parts to stick.