04 4 Cyl Shifts without key or pressing button
 

Hello, I have an 04 Camry 4 cyl with 230,000. Drives fine and progresses through gears ok as well. Looking for some specific help. Transmission engages in Park and holds the car fine on a hill. My concern is that the center console shifter will move to Neutral or Drive without the key or pressing the button. I had gotten so used to this that I stopped even noticing!! Also, a side note, I need to replace the shifter light. I can not remember when this was not like this. bought the car in 2005. I was reading and youtube and it dawned on me that this is not right or safe although I have never had an issue. Is this something that can be repaired or is a replacement needed. What should I check? Thank you all for any specific advice.

Can you remove the ign key with the shifter not in park?

The shift console has an electric solenoid then when ign key is ff locks the shifter in Park. Could be a bad solenoid or something has stuck in the shfter mechanism to prevent the solenoid plunger from engaging the Park lever.

Thank you. Yes, I can remove the ign key with the shifter in gear. Ex. R/N/D
What are your suggestions to diagnose whether solenoid or something mechanical is the problem?
Also, the button on the shifter has little resistance when pressed.

What if... could the problem be the shifter override button be "stuck" in the override position??

Determine if the brake light is constantly on.

Thanks. Brake lights work fine as expected. thanks. Can it be a cable from the button? The button has no resistance.

Suggestions?

The shift lock system or cable may be binding. Perhaps debris got into the system.

Suggest taking the shift console covers off to watch what happens when the button is pressed.

Youtube may have videos on how to take the covers off.