Hard park release

[southpaw1]

I'm having a hard time getting the shift lever in a 1998 small v6 to move from the park position.
I've pulled the console and related plastic components and can see no binding in the shift lever itself. Once you get it out of park it moves freely into all gear positions.
Question: When you step on the brake to get it out of park is the locking mechanism electrical or a manual lingakage ? Is the lock on the tranny?

 

[1southpaw]

Found answer

Found out that the locking of the car in park until the break pedal is depressed is controlled by a solenoid type plunger that is on transmission linkage. It apparently uses same switch that is used for brake lights. I intend to craw underneath as soon as weather warms up to see what is causing binding .