Toyota Repair: unable to shift, brake light switch, toyota rav4

Question
I have a 1996 Toyota Rav4 with over 200k miles-mostly highway.Though high mileage it has been running fine with very few problems. My automatic- on the floor- shift will not disengage to allow me to put the car in gear. It acts as though there is a safety switch which is not working. Last time I was able to pop off the cover under the shift,wiggle the wires and it's been fine for over a year. It has happened again, but now Iam not able to get it to release so I can shift into gear. Is this an electrical problem or a transmission  or brake problem ?

Answer
Well Janet, I think you better check the solenoid attched to the floor shift lever. The solenoid is attached to a pin holding the lever in lock position. But when you depress the brake pedal the brake light switch is operated, energizing the solenoid  which release the Gear lever. This brake switch is also used for brake lights. Check the brake switch, Solenoid and connecting wires.