Shifter interlock

I've noticed lately that every time I hit the brakes I hear a click coming from the shifter, and can feel it in the shifter lever. I believe this is the interlock solenoid that prevents the driver from shifting out of park unless the brake is engaged.

My question is: is it normal for this to be active even when the car is in gear? It seems to me that it would be set up to work only when the car is in Park. I'm afraid that constant use of the solenoid (i.e., every time you brake) will wear it out, and then I won't be able to shift out of Park at all.

Does anyone know anything about this?
Thanks!

[Ashman]

Had the smae thing happen in my jeep. One day I could not shift it out of park without squeezing the button on the shifter as hard as I could, and I was barely able to get it out of park and into gear. I would definately have it checked. I don't feel a click, but I do hear one when I depress the brake pedal before I try to shift from park.

Alon

[mbdoc]

MB uses interlock CABLES on 1990 to 98 models, so sound is from something else. Any play in shifter with engine not running & lever in D OR N? MB uses rubber grommets that wear out at both ends of shift rod & that can cause noise.

Thanks for the replies.

M.B.Doc, I've had the shifter bushings replaced about 20K miles ago, and don't really have any appreciable play. I am still convinced there is some sort of electrical event happening here. When I'm in Park and hit the brake, the click coincides with the shifter rod being able to be moved out of Park. It's the same sound/feeling when I hit the brake while in any gear -- same click. Even though a cable is used, I assume there must be a solenoid somewhere? I'd assume that the trigger for the solenoid would be getting current from the stop light switch . . .

In any event, my main concern is: Is this normal? If not, is it hurting anything if left alone?

Thanks,
Steve

[Ashman]

the click might be the brake light switch? I know I hear a click in my jeep when hitting the brakes.

Don't notice it in the benz, stereo is always on... hehe

Alon