Driving a 2005 model.
When shifting out of park, the gear selector does not move through the gate smoothly. I'm worried that it will continue to wear and prevent me from shifting from park into drive.

I was thinking of trying to remove the chrome trim and see if things are loose and need tightening.

Any idea what might be causing this and is there anything that I can do or should I just take it in?

 

Start simple and pull the wood trim (center console) up. You might be surprised by what you find under there. An old business card, or something, blocking the path...?

 

Take the center console apart and make sure everything is lubricated

 

Anyone know how to remove the center console ? Dont want to break anthing!

 

These are different but watch both, it's really not difficult at all.

 

A few images of the manual shifter assembly.
I own an LS400 and solved the problem by changing rubber bushings in horizontal lever.

 

At times the shifter on my 2003 yr model require a firmer dab on the brake pedal to get out of Park.

 

Two years ago I had problems with shift lever not moving out of park on my 2001 LS430 unless I pumped brake peddle. Dealer diagnosed the brake switch assembly, 84340-30110, which is a switch up under the steering wheel, which you can purchase online from a Lexus dealer for around USD30 on eBay. Refer to my 2017 posts regarding replacement, if you think this might be the issue. It is relatively tight on your back under steering wheel and tricky to replace. I found several how to replace the Toyota brake switch videos on You Tube. I took pictures of brake switch to make sure I had positioning of new switch right and practiced before starting. An experienced mechanic with nimble fingers could probably complete it in 5-10 minutes.