Hello everyone, my beloved 98 cavalier has a specific transmission issue, I hope you can help.

It goes into P, N, and R. Will NOT shift into Drive or L.

I know everyone says "check the trans fluid" but I think this is a mechanical linkage issue, I have inspected everything and it looks fine.

What would cause the shifter lever not to go into Drive? Also the key will not come out.

Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks.

Your park-brake-shift interlock cable that goes between the shifter and the steering column (connects to the ignition lock). You need to have it in park, with the button not depressed, in order to remove the key.. and you need the brake pedal pushed to remove it from Park position. If it doesn't do that... there's something wrong with the shifter assembly, the solenoid on the cable, or the cable ends...