My Maxima (2001) won't shift out of Park. The Shift Lock button doesn't work so we have removed the button and must use the end of a key inserted into the shift lock to get out of park. What needs to be replaced?

rtm? no symptoms so i must guess, ill say , cant shift. and is not park lock out causing that.
want to read the manual or me to you.'?
ill guess you.

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/knowledge-base/index.htm?utm_source=cj#service

click 1996 to 2001
it replaces like all cables do
detach both ends and remove it. if clamps seen those too.
what matters is adjustment is needed.

some have 2 cables, one to gear box and one to ignition switch.
Chapter 21, page 150 states
REMOVAL
(1) Shift transmission into Park.
(2) Remove shift lever bezel and necessary console
parts for access to shift lever assembly.
(3) Disconnect cable at shift lever and feed cable
through dash panel opening to underside of vehicle.
(4) Raise vehicle.
(5) Disengage cable eyelet at transmission shift
lever and pull cable adjuster out of mounting
bracket. Then remove old cable from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Route cable through hole in dash panel. Fully
seat cable grommet into dash panel.
(2) Place the auto transmission manual shift control
lever in "Park" detent (rearmost) position and
rotate prop shaft to ensure transmission is in park.
(3) Connect shift cable to shifter mechanism by
snapping cable retaining ears into shifter bracket
and press cable end fitting onto lever ball stud.
(4) Place the floor shifter lever in park position.
Ensure that the pawl is seated within the confines of
the adjustment gauge clip.
(5) Snap the cable into the transmission bracket so
the retaining ears are engaged and connect cable end
fitting onto the manual control lever ball stud.
(6) Lock shift cable into position by pushing
upward on the adjusting lock button.
(7) Remove and discard the shift cable adjustment
gauge clip from the park gate of the shifter.

easy?

1. Position the steering column transmission shift lever to PARK (P).
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.

1. Position the transmission range select lever to PARK (P). Rotate the range select lever clockwise until it reaches the full mechanical stop position.

1. Slide the black retaining clip forward on the range select lever cable end. This will allow the white lock button to be pushed out.

1. Push the white lock button on the range select lever cable end out. This will free the metal core adjust body which is inside the cable end. Do not push the white lock button completely out.
2. Inspect the metal core adjust body on the cable end for dirt or debris that may restrict the travel. Remove any debris by washing the cable end, the metal core adjust body, and the white lock button with soap and water. If the travel of the metal core adjust body remains restricted after the cleaning, replace the cable assembly.
3. Lower the vehicle.
4. Ensure that the parking brake is applied.
5. Turn ON the ignition switch.

1. Move the transmission shift lever from PARK (P) to 1 and back to PARK (P) ten times.

1. Place the steering column transmission shift lever in the Park (P) position.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.

1. Position the transmission range select lever to PARK (P). Rotate the range select lever clockwise until it reaches the mechanical stop position.

1. Push in the white lock button in order to secure the core adjuster body inside the range select lever cable end.

1. Slide the black retainer clip rearward over the cable end until it covers the white lock button. Lock the clip over the cable end.
2. Lower the vehicle.
3. Turn ON the ignition switch.
4. Ensure that all the transmission shift light positions (P. R. N. D, 3, 2, 1) engaged and illuminate. If you cannot perform this task, repeat the cable adjustment procedures.
5. Ensure that the engine starts in PARK (P) and in NEUTRAL (N) positions only. If the engine does not start in PARK (P) and in NEUTRAL (N), the Park/Neutral Position Switch may need adjustment.
6. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK.
7. Ensure that the ignition key can only be removed with the transmission shift lever in the PARK (P) position.
8. Start the engine and check the vehicle transmission shifting. The range select lever cable is properly adjusted if the steering column shift light positions are the same as the transmission engagements.

Shift - interlock system problem .
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control System
The automatic transmission shift lock control system is a safety device that prevents an inadvertent shift out of PARK when the engine is running. The driver must press the brake pedal before moving the shift lever out of PARK position. The system consists of the following components:
• The automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid
• The automatic transmission park lock solenoid
• The automatic transmission shift lock control switch
• The transmission range switch
With the ignition in the ON position, battery voltage is supplied to the automatic transmission shift lock control switch. The circuit continues through the normally-closed switch to the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. The transmission range switch provides a path to ground for the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid in the PARK position. With the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid energized the shift lever is mechanically locked in the PARK position. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the contacts in the automatic transmission shift lock control switch open, de-energizing the automatic transmission shift lock control solenoid. This allows the shift lever to move from the PARK position. When the shift lever is out of the PARK position the controlled ground contacts in the transmission range switch open. This prevents the automatic transmission shift lock solenoid from energizing when the vehicle is out of the PARK position.

Most newer models have a safety feature called
shift interlock. This prevents the key from being turned back
to the lock position if you forget to place the gear selector in park.
Depending on the model,
If it uses a cable, it may be sticking or needs adjusting.
If it uses an electrical solenoid. may be blown fuse or park switch.
Tap, shake, and pull up on the shifter and make sure it's in park.

Ignition - Key Stuck In Ignition Switch/Won't Turn Bulletin No.: 06-02-35-005 Date: February 28, 2006 TECHNICAL Subject: Key Stuck in Ignition, Key Will Not Return to Off Position, Shifter Button Won't Release in Park Position (Adjust Shifter Detent Finger) Models: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Condition Customers may comment on any of the following conditions: - The key is stuck in the ignition cylinder. - They cannot return the key to the off position to remove the key. - The shifter button won't release in the park position. Cause This condition may be caused by the detent finger shifting over time. This may result in mis-alignment and binding of the shift rod on the shift position guide.
WHERE YOUR SHIFTER IS YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT APART ..MAYBE THE RUBBER BOOT IS IT THE WAY,OR THE SHIFT LOCK SELINOID WHENT BAD

Generally,when a shift lock solenoid/system goes bad you just zip tie the shift lock to unlocked position and that removes the need to depress the brake to shift out of park.

this vehicle has a shift-lock solenoid and the brake pedal has to be depressed to activate

if your brakes lights work and you still cannot get out of park then...

if you have a floor shifter look around the shifter for a little "plug"
pop the plug out with something like a toothpick or something sharp that will not scratch the plastic

then insert a key, any key that fits will work, into the hole

inside is a little button and when depressed will allow you to shift out of park

place the vehicle in N and start your car

This Is Park Lock Cable Failure here is the Replacment Procedure

Park Lock Cable Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

1. Remove the console.
2. Remove the knee bolster.
3. Loosen the lower steering column bracket bolts.
4. Lower the steering column.
5. Place the transmission shift lever in the PARK position. Important: Do not proceed to the next step with the key in any position other than the RUN position.
6. Turn the ignition key to the RUN position.
7. Insert a screwdriver blade into the slot provided in the ignition switch inhibitor.
8. Depress the cable latch. Pull the control cable from the inhibitor.

1. Push the cable connector lock button at the shifter base to the up position.
2. Unsnap the cable from the park/lock lever pin.
3. Depress the two cable latches. Remove the control cable latches from the automatic transmission control.
4. Remove the control cable clips.

Installation Procedure

Important: When installing a new park/lock cable, keep the shipping cover gauge attached until you are instructed to detach it. The shipping cover gauge will aid in the proper positioning of the cable.

1. Ensure that the cable lock button is in the up position. Place the shift lever in the PARK position.
2. Snap the control cable connector into the automatic transmission control.
3. Place the ignition key in the RUN position. Important: Do not insert the cable with the key in any position other than the RUN position.

1. Snap the control cable into the inhibitor housing until the snap lock is seated.
2. Remove the shipping cover gauge.
3. Turn the key to the LOCK position.

1. Snap the control cable end onto the shift park/lock lever pin.
2. Push the cable connector hose forward in order to remove any slack.
3. With no load applied to the connector nose, snap the cable connector lock button down. Important: Inspect for proper operation of the park/lock control cable before installing the steering column to the instrument panel.
4. Raise and connect the steering column.
5. Tighten the lower steering column bracket bolts.
6. Install the knee bolster.

There is a little button in front of the shifter. I pushed on this while moving the shifter back and forth. It immediately went down and I was able to put he car in park and then pulled out the key.

hey
You may have a worn Ignition Lock Cylinder, but try moving the gear shift lever further up into the park position while turning the key. Also, maybe turning the steering wheel just a bit.