Current situation: key will only turn to position I or O which means I cannot start it.
Before failure: stopped & turned off car on downhill slope, engaged parking brake.
After failure: used the shift lock override to roll to level ground; key still won't turn to III (or II); key won't turn to O or I (stays in between O-I), will not come out; clean shift lock button- can now remove key.
Background: brake pedal shudders and noise made when driving on bumpy downhill (everyday from driveway); ABS & Check Engine lights begin intermittent warnings (one or both); STC light joins the intermittent warning lights; drive gear disengages-may or maynot engage after restarting car-but only for a minute; replace transmission (EEEK $4000- 4 shops-each said replace-no options); car will go again in Drive- but no other changes- feels the same and intermittent lights continue- wallet shy to bring it in to a shop; Brake light and Speedometer dial goes to zero are now also intermittent warning symptoms.
Recommendations: clean shift buttons; problem could be in ignition cylinder- if so, what part do I need to order (assuming I can remove it)?
What I think: it is all related & it did NOT need a new transmission. I think what ever is causing all the lights & speedometer dial to quit is not recognizing the transmission is in Park.
Please help, at least to get it started so I don't have to have it towed.
Thank you.