Sorry if this topic has been talked about before. However I did search and could not find my problem. All I found is people complaining of being stuck in park not able to shift. Here is my problem--- When I bought my car the guy who sold it to me told me he had a repair on the auto shifter, and he did not tell me what the repair was. I can shift with out even having the key in the ignition. Any info on the subject would be appreciated.

 

My guess is that they forgot to isntall the shift lock device when they put in the new shifter.

 

there is a shift lock button on top right area of shifter assy. If you press it you don't need key in ignition to shift. This is used so you can push a no start vehicle around the parking lot.
My guess is he either installed it wrong or it was damaged and his fix is to put something in there to jam that so you can start it and of course buy it.
take the cover off (little square one) and see if there is something jammed inside

 

i second on that one it happen to me