Can't get the truck to "Park"

More precisely, the transmission (automatic) seems to be in park, however the red indicator as well as the dashboard display both show "R", and the reverse lights are on, the mirrors are lowered, etc.
I have also noticed that when changing gears the red indicator light always seems to lag behind, and sometimes I would have to jiggle the gearshift a little to get it to show the correct gear.
Of course, since the truck doesn't think it's on park, it will not allow the key to be removed from the ignition switch, nor am I able to restart the truck unless I move the gearshift to "N". Plase help.

Hi

sounds like your automatic stick has come out of adjustment, or the plastic "P R N D 1 2 etc" has detached from under the plastic cover.

If the stick is out of adjustment you could remove the plastic cover and just check to see if the stick has'nt become detached. If it's just out of adjustment (dependant on you're model you need to go under it and adjust accordingly

Charlotte

Many thanks!
The plastic has not become detached, as even the computer dashboard display shows "R" when the transmission is in park, I am even able to depress the gas pedal and the engine revs up but the car doesn't move (in other words, normal behavior). It must be the adjustment.

Unfortunately, it turned out to be the "Gearbox Position Switch" also known as the XYZ switch. So I'm having it fixed to the tune of about $400 USD.

Update--As mentioned before, the mechanic told me it was the "Gearbox Position Switch"--also known as the XYZ switch. I ordered it but never got to install it. You see, after the mechanic took a look at it and gave me his diagnosis, I asked him to put everything back together while I waited for the part to arrive, but (heavenly chorus here) by some miracle the old part started working just fine, and has ever since. I guess I now have a spare for the time when it goes again.