Mitsubishi Repair: car will not click into park to allow me to turn the car all the way off and get my key back., google searches, linkage problem

Question
Hi Anthony,

I recently purchased a used 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse GTS automatic V6 and
now I am having a problem with the shifter.  This just started happening a few
days ago and now it has become a big problem.  It seems that when I go to
put the vehicle in park, the shifting button will not click all the way out so
that I can get my key back.  I have been rocking it back and forth and trying
all sorts of maneuvers to try and get it to click and occasionally it will and I
can retrieve the key, but it is becoming increasingly difficult.  Can you tell me
what this problem is.. is it a stuck cable or is the shifter out of alignment.. can
i replace the button?... i certainly hope it is not something serious like having
to rebuild the transmission.  I know this is a common problem as I've seen
through google searches that others are having the same problems... asking
on Yahoo Answers and the like.  Any information you could give would be
most helpful!.. Thanks in advance,  Bradley

Answer
Bradley,
You can't tell for sure if this is a serious problem or not unless you have mechanic physically inspect it.  If your car is running properly and shifts through the gears normally while driving, then you transmission as a whole should be ok.  You may have  shifter linkage problem that may just require adjustment.  Have your mechanic inspect it.  You can even check with a local transmission shop if you want experts in transmissions inspect it.
Good luck!