I had to purchase a new shift cable and it was installed tonight. However, when I'm in the car the shifter moves freely, I dont need to press the brakes to release it. The cable works as it pulls the leverage while shifting from P to D, etc. Any ideas?

 

So there is no resistance to change through the gears? I am thinking there might be something wrong with the linkage under the shifter.

 

i think you probably forgot to hook up a wire connector, sound like you have no shift interlock, for like when you have the engine running and you step on the brake and then you can shift into gear.