Mondeo Park Release Stuck

[Baboonboy]

The park release mechanism on 04 Mondeo is stuck in park (the button won't press in until I've fiddled with it for about 10 minutes). I believe it's a common problem. The garage say the whole mechanism needs replacing (£250 for the part) and they cant get the part for 8 weeks. I've read about various probable causes including the solenoid, the brake release connection, etc. Apparently there's also a way to bypass the release in an emergency. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks BB
PS if I turn off the engine and wait for all the whirrs and clicks to stop before releasing the button this seems to help sometimes. But can't get the key out until the button is released fully.

[AlBags]

Look along the centre console trim. On the drivers side, a slot about 10mm long at the lower edge of the trim near the lever, insert a screwdriver, and push the screwdriver handle forwards so the shaft inside the pushes the detent rearwards, the lever can then be moved.

Likely this is the solenoid that's at fault .. that is, if the brake light are working on the pedal ok (if not try replacing the brake light switch)