Ford: Ford Escort Shift Lock, shift lock, solonoid

Question
1997 Escort - Floor shift - when the car is first started up the shift lock does not disengage.  Car is in cold climate in upstate New York.  Foot is on brake, press button and it does not come out of park.  Let it sit/idle for a while and then it will shift. Afraid it will die where I can't work on it.  Is this electrical or a mechanical lock?  Or could it be wear?  

Answer
Paul if you have no kids then you can disconect  it if not let me know .and yes it is a ele. problem. but not a short.it is shift lock solonoid is going bad.but you can by pass it all you have to do is just wnen it does this turn the key i click foward pull the shifter into  neutralthen start it .