Abstract: A locking mechanism for a shift lever includes a detent member movable along a predetermined path, a stopper member movable between a locking position wherein the stopper member is within the path of the detent member to block movement of the detent member along at least a portion of the path and an unlocking position wherein stopper member is positioned to permit the detent member to move along the path, and a control member comprising a shape memory alloy. The control member selectively applies a force to the stopper member to move the stopper member toward the unlocking position in response to heat being applied to the shape memory alloy.