I decided to go after the ignition switch and so I took off the dashboard cover and knee bolster. I found that the previous owner had partially uninstalled an immobilizer and a wire had come loose from a relay that was hanging by the wires. I reconnected the wire to the relay, it fired right up and now the shift lock disengages. Lesson learned, beware of novice backyard mechanics who mess with the cars wiring. Immobilizer is now removed properly.
Thanks for all the help everyone.
