Dont know how else to describe it, didnt find any posts similar.

Car idling, parking brake on/off doesnt matter, transmission in Park.
Press the brake, sound comes out of area behind the storage compartment area just ahead of the transmission stick (2004 5-sp Auto TL)

Doesnt happen any other time or configuration of gear setting other than park, doesnt happen when engine off.
The only way I can describe it maybe more accurately, is place a dozen keys on a keyfob in either top or bottom storage area, stick a finger in and wiggle them a bit, BRIEFLY.

Now think of that sound the moment the brake pedal makes it to the floor position. And without anythig at all in the compartments, eliminating them being vibrated or something... so its 'behind'? or under? or who knows.

Any idea wth?

 

I looked all around the screen, didnt see a control for editing/updating my original post as things changed. SO THIS IS how Im doing it. (and yet my reply has an edit button. Ok)

The sound: MORE LIKE take a thin plastic-y wallet, put it in the compartment resting on top of your fingers, flick your fingers up and let the wallet drop down. Two different sounds... CLEH on the way up, CHETTE on the way down... THtas the sound associated with the pedal pressed, then released.
There is 1/2 inch of play or slop while the shifter is in Park.

I dont know if thats normal or not.
I found this out by trying to make the sound with wallet, keys, fingers as per above.

AND I found the sound stopped when my wrist pressed the shift lever to the far right 'in park' position.
Which leads me to think its some sort of connecting things related to the 'safety' measure, that traps the shifter in Park until you push on the brakes. Sound like its loose back there.
Will scour the TL 04 manual, have some idea what to look for at least, hope I dont have to go pulling the console and carpet to dig up a nut/bolt/cable assembly or something...

 

You might be describing the shift lock solenoid under the center console that allows you to shift out of park once the brake pedal is pressed. It will make an audible clicking noise.

 

I dont remember hearing it ever before... if a solenoid = mechanical? as in maybe a piston juts out blocking the shifter or something? I suppose I should tear in and see.. maybe the base s loose and rattling when the mechanical action takes place with the brake. Having it fail somewhere not at home would be .... annoying.

 

Seems like this is the item. Park Pin switch.
I was thinking there might be a couple screw/washer anchor points and its worked loose over the decades but looks like its a press-out plastic tab anchor situation, no screws bolts whatever that might make that sound when pressed brake.

Not sure taking the car apart for this is worth it.
Plastic will wear, besides tape not sure theres a worthy effort involved