Gear shift lever lock

[hvw]

I can shift my 03 Camry out of Park without the key. It will shift whether the car is running or not, key in or not. I'm concerned about it because I don't want to park on a hill and have it come out of gear accidentally. A friend told me there is an electrical switch that has failed. If that's the case can anyone describe the repair for me? I don't even know where the thing is located.

[MikeB 30]

Sounds like the Shift/Brake Interlock has failed, if you look by the shifter there is usually a little cover you pop off and there is a button in there you can push to allow it to shift out of Park without your foot on the brake. This may be covered in your owner's manual. You could check to see if it is not stuck down or anything. I suspect it is some sort of electrical issue however and not actually mechanical. You're probably going to have to take it to the dealer.