My "Transmission Selector Mechanisim" was stuck in park and I have replaced it with a used one from ebay.
I suspected the interlock solenoid; which is not replaceable of course! You have to buy the whole mechanism! And in Australia about US$700 from my friendly Jaguar dealer.
Deliverd used from the UK............ US$70!
Proceedure took me 2 hours. Saving: about $1,100.

Points to note when installing-:

The green loom switch which the unit plugs into is hard to unclip as it is hidden by the handbrake so remove hand brake.

To drive the car if selector is still broken, or flat battery etc will require a torch and a flat head screwdriver to turn the interlock overide switch, to manually override enabling selector to be moved to Park.

Cable leading to transmission has to be unclipped/prised off only and not removed at all, and then clipped back on. Hard to clip back on.

Ashtray, console pad and armrest tray need to be removed.

My STR is a 2002.5 but a 2004 stamped part works OK (feels smoother). Has only slight modification/difference.

 

one more photo for all you do-it-your-selfers!

 

Thanks , it's worth FAQ

 

Sorry for your experience jya- thanks for the info. though.