Lately, mostly in cold weather, although sometimes it's fine even then, my 98 Lumina LTZ won't shift out of park. It eventually does, but usually takes bet. 5-15 mins. to push the button in. Shift is on the floor/console, not on the steering column. I have read things about it possibly being the BTSI (Brake Transmission Shift Interlock), but what would the issue be if it does shift out of park, just takes awhile sometimes? Could it just be dirty or a loose/broken connection? Or is it still possible the BTSI needs replacing completely? Or maybe there's another problem it could be? Please help!

 

Button might be gummed up. Pry up the shift console and see what it looks like. See if it moves when you step on the brake pedal. They wear out and sometimes the get all gummed up from people who eat food in that area of the car, cupholders from coffee and soda and such.

 

Ok, I'll try that. So to remove the console cover, do I just pry it up with a flathead screwdriver I guess? Would the cigarette lighter not get in the way? Thanks!

 

OK, so I tried to pry up the center console cover but cannot pry it up at the front part where the cigarette lighter is. It won't come loose there... any tips? I'm able to pry it up enough to see the mechanical action going on underneath when I press in the button, but cannot pry the cover off enough to actually be able to clean anything in there... grrr.

 

I think the cigarette lighter comes out from the opposite angle and probably has to come out first. Take a picture so I can see what you are working with.