My 95 formula is a nightmere to get out of park. When i say that I mean its very hard to push in teh thumb button. If I get in the car, hit the brake and start it...I have to squeeze the thumb button with both hands to get it to release...once it releases, I keep my foot on the brake and shift from like drive to park and as long as i dont take my foot off the brake it easily comes out of park...as soon as i release the brake and reapply it....Its again a 2 hand job to get the thumb button to release and get out of park....The brake lights do work im not sure if it uses the same switch or not...but anyways, isnt there probably a release switch in the dash somewhere? and where is it at? how do i replace it? Thanks, Joe

 

I think the cable for the release is in the center console right next to the cable for the tranny. I could be wrong though. Pop the top off and check it out.

 

There is a solenoid under the console that is hooked to the shifter. It is energized when you turn the key to run, bulb test or start. When it is energized you can't shift out of park. When you press the brake pedal it cuts the power to the solenoid and you can shift.

If you can shift without a problem with the key off you probably have a problem with the brake switch.

If you can't shift with the key off you may have a problem with the solenoid.

It could also be a short that is keeping the solenoid energized all the time.

 

I had the same problem as you. There are a few solutions. The first (which is what I did) is to unplug the solenoid that is located under the center console panel next to the shifter. However, you can then shift out of park whether the brake is on or not (safety hazard). Second is replace the solenoid provided that is the problem. Third, replace the switch that the brake pedal pushes to de-energize the solenoid provided that is the problem. Or there could be a short in a wire somewhere between the brake switch and solenoid that you may have to chase down which I doubt is the problem. More than likely it is the solenoid.