Flashing Reverse Indicator Light

[cvhs18472]

I have a 98 base Boxster with Tip. I just woke it up from it's winter sleep and when I put it in park the R indicator light flashes and it does not show that it is in Park. The car started right up and the only thing that seemed different was the shift lever was quite stiff. I originally put that to being very cold for a long time. The temp outside is about 34 and it was in an unheated garage which was probably below freezing because of the lack of light. I do not remember this before, but I never put it away for more tha 6 weeks before. When I got back in to go for a ride and check the trans out I noticed that the indicator light showed Drive. I went for as ride and all was well, put it in Park and had the R light up, shut it off and restarted and the D light was on. I tried the search feature but could not find any info. Any information or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ed

[Lil bastard]

The selector switch on the side of the tranny is dirty and gummed up. It is exposed to dirt and mud and over time gets stiff, to the point that you can shift the shifter, but the tranny won't respond. Also, you can lose the manual function and make the car impossible to start in 'P'.

Cleaning it isn't a big deal and a dealer shouldn't charge you more than 100 to do it either.