1989 AW4 Shift Lever

So no related posts in search and dont have time to dig so sorry if this has been addressed before.

I have an 89 XJ with the AW4 transmission. For some reason the shifter wont depress/release when you push the button on the side in. But it shifts perfectly if you take the cover of and depress the tab with a long handled screwdriver.

Any suggestions on this or a fix? Thanks

If you tap your brake pedal when you try and press the button does it work? Sounds like the brake interlock is fubard. You can remove it from the column tho.