gserep1

ALL,
I have a 1999 Lexus GS400 that has been very reliable until now. I had to replace the condenser coil, but that is not the fault of the car. My latest problem is the gearshift interlock. This device protects the car from being taken out of park until the brake pedal is depressed. Otherwise known as the shifter interlock.

I never had an issue until yesterday. It simply would not shift out of park. Luckily there is a way to release the shifter. I removed the black plastic plug on the shifter face, and pushed the little release button with a long pin, and the gearshift released.

Has anyone else seen this problem? it is a first for me. I think it is electrical, I do have:
1. Brake lights So the brake light switch is good.
2. Good fuse, since the brakelights work

I am looking for a wiring diagram to see which wires I need to check .

If anyone else has had experience with this problem, plesae chime in. I am sure that electrical shifter mechanism is expensive. No one seems to have trouble with that, but the car IS 12 years old now.

Thanks,
GSEREP1