99 4Runner hard to shift out of Park

I had my 4Runner parked on a slight down hill with my trailer hooked to the back. I started the engine and attempted to put the automatic tranny into drive, but it wouldn't budge. I finally pulled hard enough, and it went in.

Now, it is still hard to put into drive, unless I engage the emergency override button next to the shifter. Cruise control doesn't work either, as the cruise light just blinks on and off, I think because the vehicle still thinks it's in park.

I opened up the shifting console last night and I can see where the pin is coming down to allow the lever to go from park to drive, but it hits this other part that is tied to the emergency override button.

Do you think this is a mechanical or electrical problem? I don't know how this mechanism is suppossed to work, so I can't quite figure out what is broken? Thanks for any help.

I had the same problem with my '97 4runner. You blew the fuse for the rear brake lights. It is amazing to me that this is such a common accurance yet the dealer knows nothing about it.Nor do other mechanics.
It is a 10amp fuse.
Have fun!
Pete

Quick note of gratitude for this posting! You saved me hours of grief and likely many dollars in repair fees after encountering the same situation with my 96 4Runner. Thanks so much.
Peter