Rap on the shifter, up into park. Something sounds like it's out of whack, so give it a couple. If the shifter linkage isn't going all the into park, it won't let you turn the ignition key all the way. I also thought the key had to be in the run position before the interlock cable or shifter could be released (theft prevention).

 

yes key on and brake peddle down.

 

Ok what am I missing? you go to any 97 automatic Camaro and you disconnect the battery and you can not get it out of park. There is a park lock solenoid that is powered on when you hit the brake, on means you can shift out of park. Without power it can not be powered on? easiest fix is to just jump that car. There is a process to manual push down the solenoid but it is a pain.

 

If you are just looking to move the car, do something really simple. Disconnect the driveshaft from the rear end. Tie it up out of the way, release the parking brake, and move the car.

Get it into the garage, or where ever you are going to put it, and then spend the time figuring out the electrical / shifting issues.

I had to do this exact thing with a Jeep I had where the auto was stuck in Park. The problem was internal to the tranny, and disconnecting the drive shaft was the quickest way to bypass the whole drivetrain to get it to move.

 

Are you sure there's a solenoid? In the past, I had a 2000 Monte Carlo and a (gulp) Ford Probe. Both had interlock solenoids at the shifter, and both also had a key lock release on the console to defeat the shifter lockout should you need to get it out of park with a dead battery (which could come in kinda handy for a needed dead battery tow). That would suck if you had a dead solenoid with no easy mechanical way of bypassing it.

 

This is not personal knowledge. I am going by a conversation I had with an old friend who is still a mechainc, he made a comment about it when I told him I had 4th gens. Again not a problem with stick. I could have missunderstood him.

Google search found this

You don't seem to understand what I was saying in my post so let me explain. There is a shifter locking system built into these cars, where you have to push down on the brake pedal before you can shift out of park. The switch on the brake pedal sends an electrical signal to a solenoid attached to the shift mechanism and allows you to shift out of park. When the system fails the solenoid no longer moves and allows you to shift. You need to disconnect the rod that runs from the shift interlock solenoid to the shifter. Then you will be able to shift out of park. The cable has nothing to do with the shift interlock system.

Here is the pic of the lock out solenoid. It is on the passenger side front of the shifter plate. The solenoid is marked with a kinda red X , you can see the rod connected to it that goes to the teeth on the shifter mechanism to lock it. You must remove the rod or the solenoid to disable the lock out. I do strongly suggest you find out why the system is not working, and fix it so it functions. As stated earlier, without this lockout the gearshift can be moved at anytime, making it dangerous.
Attached Images

 

Looking up parts fitments, it appears an interlock solenoid is a 1995 and up deal. Found this diagram too (link below). So back to my other point, yeah a power outage sure would suck if you wanted to budge the car. 2000 Chevrolet Camaro Shift Interlock Wiring Diagram | Circuit Schematic

 

Sorry for making this such a big deal apparently the problem was like "Camaro 69" said is the shifter was stuck due to the car sitting for over a year after attempting to pull the shifter to "P" position further more i was able to shift normally.

 

If that is the case, I would check the shifter cable to see if it is corroded or kinked. If it is then that is most likely the source of your trouble.