'97 TD WAGON

it started out, occasionally the button on the shifter wouldn't "pop" back up when I shifted into park. If I wiggled it a bit, it would. (note the key won't come out until that button pops up). Then, wiggling wouldn't help, but I could "pull" the button up with my fingers. Then the button came off from being pulled and wiggled too much. I now use a pair of needle nose to pull it back up.

There appears to be a mechanical cable (like motorcycle throttle cable) connecting the two, I assume this cable is the problem? Corroded and sticky?

Just wanted to check and see if this is a common issue, with a perhaps easier fix than replacing the cable?

Thanks

Tony