Toyota Repair: 96 Corolla ignition, rubber grommet, brake light switch

Question
Hey Tim, I have a 96 Corolla with 180,000 miles on it. It can be taken out of park with the ignition in the locked position. Whether the key is in the ignition or not. Also, sometimes after driving the ignition will not go to the "locked" position unless I first disconnect the battery. After disconnecting the battery, it goes right in. I know it's got to be a safety switch bad, but which one and where is it located?
Thanks

Answer
Jim,

If my memory serves me correctly, the park lock is operated by a cable from the ignition switch. There is an electric solenoid in the steering column to control the key. Both these circuits use the brake light switch to operate them so I would check your brake lights first. There is a small rubber grommet on the brake pedal & it deteriorates causing the brake lights to stay on all the time.