Won't shift out of park, all instrument lights on

[BAH]

Hi all, bit of a problem. I had started the car about three times today, the last time, it would not shift out of park and all the instrument lights were on. Engine started ok and was responsive to the throttle. Tried restarting it about three times, all with the same issue. Then, after about five mins of running, all the lights went out, and I was able to shift. Drove home, shut it off, started it again and it works fine. My wife told me it happened to her in November after it sat for a bit. It has been cold here (-32C) and the car has sat for about a week. It was a slow start this morning, as in a weak battery, but the other starts after that seemed fine.
Any ideas?
Bryan.

[CTScott]

Sounds like the battery is too low to allow the shift lock solenoid to fully engage. If you turn the ignition to on, without stating it, and then press the brake pedal, you should hear the click of the solenoid from the shifter assembly.

[BAH]

I was thinking a weak battery also, but just wanted to confirm here. Guess a new battery is in order, this one is probably as old as the car.
Thanks.