Just wanted to post this as I have not seen any other posts determining the cause of this common issue.
I am still trying to determine the EXACT problem with my 2003 STR shift lock issue but have narrowed it down to the circuit board within the j-gate. I replaced the 2 brake pedal switches, wasn't the problem. It is not the bolts on the side of the transmission. I also ruled out the common suggestion of "its the shift lock solenoid", as I applied direct current to the solenoid and seen it working perfectly fine. Somewhere within the upper portion of the j gate, power is not flowing to the solenoid when it is supposed to. Since getting into circuit board power flow is beyond my ability, I have finally decided to break down and order another j gate assembly. Anyone on here have one in proper working order?

 

Scrappers/wreckers/ebay/... will have hundreds.