'92 740 wagon - automatic transmission, nonturbo

I was having a rapid clicking sound coming from the shifter and steering/ignition area. So today I took the console and shifter surround off to investigate. When the car is running and is in gear, I can press lightly on the yellow shift lock lever and it triggers and rapid clicking sound. I can also press lightly on the gear nameplate and it will do the same thing.. any kind of pressure including the shifter moving slightly will trigger this rapid clicking.

I should add that if I have the car lights on, they all dim or get brighter as I lightly touch anywhere in this area (coinciding with the click sound)

Any ideas? thanks