I have a nice 1995 Z28 with an automatic trans. When it is first started, I can't shift it out of park for at least a minute. While I am double thumbing the lock button and wiggling the shifter (yes foot on brake), in a minute or more it finally lets me pull it out of park. This is double annoying in winter when it takes even longer. Not too long ago, I had the shifter cover off to see what might be wrong. While the cover was off, it started to work like it was supposed to (sure, I jiggled and wiggled a few things just to check). But, when everything got buttoned back up, it started the same annoying lazy unlocking thing again. I think the brake peddle unlocks it, but is it a sticky **** button or is it something electrical? I am tempted to squirt some WD40 around the **** button, will it help or hurt? Please, if someone out there has fixed this malady, write in with what you did! This is soooo madeninggg!
Thanks for your help.

 

I'm curious on this too. Mine does the same thing. Luckily it doesn't get too cold down here in Texas.

 

Hey quick98,my car was originally bought and driven in Texas for most of its life before I bought it here in California! So, does anyone out there know if this is a brake switch problem or a shifter problem? Is there an adjustment somehow for sensitivity to the brake peddle at the shifter or elsewhere?
Anyone?

 

About to buy a Camaro tomorrow, probably have my head into it within 24 hours. However, I did take apart my 96 Corvette, so it should be similar.
The brake pedal closes a switch that allows a solenoid to release the shifter.

The solenoid is up close to the shifter...probably within an inch or so. It's probably not the solenoid exactly, but the mechanical linkage that has accumulated crap, spilled coffee, etc. and that needs to be cleaned first, then the WD40.

Use carb cleaner and be careful no spray hits anything plastic (the plastic will melt or deform). When you are convinced it is working properly, start reassembling the console, checking the release after you add back each piece.

It is still possible the linkage is OK; it's you that's screwing up by not checking how it goes back together correctly....don't ask how I know about this last part.

 

I had the same problem. It is the brake release solenoid that is connected to the shifter. You could try and clean it well enough or you could just take it out and chuck it in the trash. That way you don't ever have to worry about it again. The only problem is you can shift without pressing the brake first oh well.