Why does the shifter get stuck in park in my automatic 2000 hyundai?

Question

I wake up in the morning and get in my car and try to put my car in drive but the button gets stuck in park and Im trying to get it in gear and get really frustrated.Then 20 min later it the button on the stifter works and goes in gear easily. WHY?

Answer 1

It is probably the release mechanism that requires you to push the brake pedal down before shifting.  Your car probably has an electric solenoid that is activated when the brake light switch is activated.  Check to make sure your brake lights are working.  If the lights work and if you have a floor shifter and are mechanically inclined, remove the center console and check out the shifter base.  You should see a small solenoid (or cable) that pushes a little pin out of the way when you hit the brake.  Sometimes they just need lubed and will work fine.  If it needs replaced and you feel comfortable doing it then go for it.  If you have a column shifter head for the garage as it's a real job to replace.  Good luck.  

If you take the console apart and have to wait for the dealer to order the part, keep your tools in the car in case you get stranded and need to manually override the safety switch.  

Answer 2

The brake switch by the pedal is acting up. Accents are famous for this.