I've got the switch, but haven't gotten it installed yet. First thing I need is a little warmer temperature. Then I need help with holding down the brake pedal while I install the switch and right now we're not allowing anyone to come to our house. I couldn't figure out a way to hold it down by myself. There's not a lot of room under there for maneuvering. Other than that though, it is a really simple job to do.

Once I get it done, I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for your help thus far.

 

How far do you need to depress the brake pedal? Just an inch or so? Consider something like this:



I've got a homemade version and it is very handy. It's mostly intended for the gas pedal, but I've used it to apply light pressure on the brake pedal, too. Heck, you could make a rudimentary fixed-length version from an old broomstick or piece of 1x2. Cut a notch on one end so it can grip the steering wheel. Put your foot on the corner of the pedal, press it down, and fit the stick in place. Don't let it apply too much pressure against the steering wheel, but if only going about an inch or so, it should be good.

Try cycling the brake pedal a few times with the engine off. This bleeds off the vacuum from the power brake booster. This may give you a little bit more travel before the resistance firms up.

 

Thanks for that tool tip. I'm too lazy to make one so I ordered it. I've got another vehicle I can use it on at tune-up time. (That's how I justify buying a "one time" use tool)

 

I use a telescoping 'hood-prop' to hold the brake pedal ON.
I put it on the front of the seat and extend it till it pushes the pedal.
(turn the auto seat to OFF so it does not move the seat!!)

 

Success!! Amazon wasn't going to ship the tool until April 21 so I improvised. I used my head. Yep, I actually used my head to push the brake pedal as far down as it would go with the engine running. The new switch slid right in, wiring connection reestablished and I released the pedal to let it contact the switch to set its position. Slid my fat self out from under the steering wheel, put my foot on the brake and easily shifted to reverse.

Thank you everyone that replied to my post and offered suggestions. Hopefully I will be able to return the favor to someone else in the future.
Actually these two folks should be sharing their beer at a safer distance, I suppose.

 

Bumpity bump to an older thread. I found a little trick to make it even easier to access the interlock release button.

The TSB (in post #15 above) has you remove the entire center console for access. On my '02, the interlock solenoid has been acting up, and I have a new one on order. In the meantime, I discovered if you remove just the cupholder you can snake your hand in there. The release button is buried at the aft right corner of the J-gate assembly, down low. You can barely see it through it the opening for the cupholder. Look for the vertical silver cylinder. At the bottom is the release button, which looks like an upside down mushroom.

Here's an image, shamelessly stolen from eBay, with an arrow added showing the location of the release button:



Obviously you won't be able to see the button as well as in the image above, but it's not too hard to find by Braille if you know where to look at the aft right corner. Put your foot on the brake, press up on the button, and shift out of Park and be on your way.

Another tip is for how to remove the cupholder. The front edge of the cupholder has two protruding tabs, secured from underneath by Tinnerman nuts. Technically, you're probably supposed to remove the entire console first and then remove these nuts. However, I found if you pry up on the aft edge, you can slide the cupholder aft just enough to clear the nuts. Don't pry up on the forward edge, as the tabs keep the cupholder from raising. Pry at the front and you can damage the cupholder. I do not care to discuss how I know this...

Here's another purloined eBay image, showing the protruding tabs at the front:




Hopefully these two little tips help somebody with an early model, stuck in Park at some inconvenient location.