1998 nissan frontier is hard to get out of park. the lever is on the steering column

Question edited for clarity.
Question moved to model category.

https://www.google.com/search?q=1999+nissan+frontier.+shifter+lock+location

You must not have locked very hard.

1998 1999 Nissan Frontier instrument cluster removal procedure by Cluster...

98 99 Nissan Frontier Instrument Cluster Gauge Speedometer Odometer Repairs

1998 1999 Nissan Frontier Instrument Cluster Removal

Shift cable starts in the steering column and runs down to the shift lever on the tranny. The sleeve that the cable runs thru can break or come loose. It has to be attached and secured along its line or else it will just flex instead of pushing and pulling the shift lever underneath. After checking that, make sure the support bracket at the steering column end is tight. over years of moving that lever up and down, it loosens the bolts of the support. This makes the lever feel loose and usually throws the red gear marker off of the lettering. There is a thin thread in the column with a thumb screw or dial that turns to adjust the marker to line up on the letters or numbers. If that shift cable is not perfectly aligned , you could be putting a lot of strain on your transmission. The fluid passages are small, and if the are not lining up 100% in each gear, you will wear it out. You will see a steady decrease in acceleration and power. Good luck.

cluster switch in the steering column failed.

Usually a problem with the brake switch or the electric solenoid that locks the shifter into park. That circuit would need to be tested.

move steering wheel side to side while trying to turn it if not turn wheel hard to the side one way & try if not do other side

SHIFTER LOCKED IN PLACE

1. Remove the instrument panel cover below the steering column, then remove the steering column shrouds to gain access to the brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid. The solenoid is part of the interlock cable assembly.
2. Disconnect the wire connector from the rear of the BTSI solenoid.
3. Insert the ignition key and turn it to the ON position.
4. With the brakes applied, try moving the shifter out of the PARK position.

• If the lever now moves freely in and out of PARK, perform the Circuit Test below.
• If the shift lever still does not move from the PARK position, remove the BTSI solenoid from the shift lever assembly. If the shift lever now moves freely in and out of the park position, the BTSI solenoid is faulty and the interlock cable must be replaced. If the shift lever still does not move from the park position, the problem is in the shift lever assembly or the ignition interlock cassette

You may have a loose shift linkage in the steering column. Remove the upper and lower plastic covers behind the steerong wheel (5 or 6 philips head) and see if you have any loose torx head or allen head screws. Ea
rlier models had this isue.

Also, go to this site for Villager Quest help.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/villagerquest/
Here's adjustment procedure too

SECTION 307-05: Automatic Transaxle/Transmission External Controls 2000 Villager Workshop Manual
GENERAL PROCEDURES Cable Adjustment —Shift Control

1. Place the gearshift lever in PARK (P) position.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the splash shield.

1. Loosen the shift cable nut.

1. Position the shift linkage in PARK (P) position.

1. Tighten the shift cable nut.

1. Move the gearshift lever through the entire shifting range.

1. Verify that the engine will crank with the gearshift lever in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) position.

1. Adjust the transmission range (TR) switch as necessary, refer to Section 307-01 .

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Item Part Number Description 1 043B13 Driver side air bag module 2 — Steering wheel nut 3 3600 Steering wheel 4 — Radio volume control cover 5 — Air bag sliding contact electrical connector access panel 6 — Cruise control cover 7 14A664 Air bag sliding contact 8 13K359 Multifunction switch 9 — Tilt wheel lever 10 13318 Turn indicator cancel cam 11 — Steering column assembly 12 — Steering column mounting bracket nuts (4 Req'd) 13 3C695 Lower column shroud 14 — Steering column opening cover nuts (3 Req'd) 15 — Steering column lower yoke bolt 16 3N725 Steering column lower yoke 17 — Steering column clamp bolt 18 3C695 Upper column shroud 19 7210 Gearshift lever

Usually near right side of steering column but not on the column, close to where your right foot would be when driving, and mounted on a bracket that you slide it off of. Small black box shaped.

Pull hard on the steering wheel to the left and the steering wheel lock mechanism should release. I mean pull hard to left because shift interlock is froze if you cannot get it this way you will need a pro to help! Good Luck Mate.