GM-GMC: CANT SHIFT OUT OF PARK, gmc sierra, pintle

Question
I have a 97 gmc sierra 2500 4X4.  i went somewhere and put it in park and now all of a sudden it will not come out of park. i dismantled the cable and manually shifted from underneath the truck to get it home. i have since then reinstalled the cable and I'm still having the issue. is it part of the brake pedal that is malfunctioning, or something else?

Answer
There should be a brake transmission shift interlock solenoid located on the steering column.  When the brake pedal is depressed it moves a small pintle in and allows you to move the gear selector.  Take the shroud off from around the column and see if you can spot it, it will have to small wires connected to it.  Chances are it is defective and not allowing you to shift.  There may also be an access hole in the shroud if you look closely that you can pop out and insert a small scewdriver or something to override it.  Check your owners manual if you have one, it may outline where it is better.
hope this helps