prob. shifting out of park. won't start sometimes

[Capt. Zool]

'01 pathy won't shift out of park sometimes (shift button won't depress). Usually, it will eventually shift if i keep trying button while pumping brake. I can also use screwdriver in shift release slot to allow shifting. Brake lights work, even when i can't shift. I can hear a clicking (solenoid?) at base of shifter every time i hit brake, but sometimes it sounds a little different, like something is moving or engaging more. I am assuming that the solenoid needs to be replaced?
This problem just began about 2 weeks ago. I only just began using screwdriver this weekend, and not every time.
Now, it won't start sometimes. Sometimes it will. I just need to keep trying and so far, it eventually starts like nothing is wrong. When it won't start, it doesn't even try to turn over. I hear a click, and all the lights on the dash go on, but that's it. interior lights and radio works, too. I cleaned battery terminals.
I assume all this is related. Any ideas? Could it be an ignition problem too? Seems like too much of a coincidence.
I've used search option for hours, so any help is greatly appreciated.
Pathy was manufactured 7/01. According to a post i found in this forum, my pathfinder is actually a 2002?

[Verycrisp]

That sounds like your neutral safety switch. With the key on the click you hear is the solenoid allowing the shifter to come out of park when you press on the brake. If it's making a noise that doesn't sound like it normally does it's probably going bad. The fact that it won't start can also be directly related to that switch as the car thinks it's in gear and won't allow the starter to engage.
Also check out this thread: stuck-in-park-t553405.html

[asnorton44]

Possibly its the shift solenoid its a common problem; I am also dealing with this on my 01 QX4. The part is about $80 at the dealer; I just went to the junkyard and pulled one from a 99 QX4 for $7 they seem all the same probably do the install this weekend.

Or you can rig it to always be "unlocked" like in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itn-Qv7E9f4