Did you check operation of stop lights? They are wired into same circuit--if fuse blown neither will work
park safety switch on the back of the brake pedal is bad or disconnected
There is a lock release button on the gearshift, hold it when changing gears
The automatic Toyota may be stuck in park because of transmission problems. The transmission may be jammed or stuck in that gear.
I just read on another site, that the switch is controlled by the engine temp. It will not allow the Z to go into overdrive if the car is not up to temp. Could be the t-stat is stuck open or the engine temp switch is bad. Research engine temperature controls. Just a place to start.
You must have the key inserted and in the "on" position to move the gearshift. Check this first!!! Might be a bad clutch cable as well.
The button does not switch from Overdrive to Automatic. The button just turns the overdrive off. Overdrive is not a separate drive system as your question implies. Normally you leave the car in overdrive mode. That way the transmission shifts into overdrive at highway speeds, thus saving fuel. If you are saying the transmission is stuck in overdrive and it will not disengage then seek out a A/T professional.
if it is an auto check the wiring around the gearshift as this may be telling the car that it is not in park!!
If you are unable to press in the button to move the shifter. Replaces the brake switch connected to the brake pedal.
my automatic transmission is stuck in neutral. how do you get it into gear
I had this same problem occur about three years ago in my 1998 Jeep Cherokee when I went to lunch from work. Since I was away from home, I didn't have tools to try to examine or fix the problem myself. Since I couldn't shut off the engine or remove the key, I drove straight to a Jeep dealer. As I recall, it was the gearshift interlock cable that had worn out. Also, the ignition key mechanism was dry and they apparently used WD-40 to free up the frozen workings. I know they used this in the key opening because I could smell the WD-40 there when I picked up the vehicle that evening after they fixed it. I wish I could be more helpful. Good luck.
automatic or manual?
Button 2 is right click m8