Is something wrong with my transmission (automatic)?

I bought a new 1995 2dr Civic today to replace the 4dr that I totaled several weeks ago. I paid around $4300 after taxes, and the exterior/interior are near perfect for a car of such age. When I test drove the car everything also seemed fine. However, not that I have the car home I've noticed two things that could be potential problems. First, sometimes I have trouble shifting from park. I don't think this is a problem with the transmission itself. As far as I can tell when I push the brake in to shift out of park it isn't registering with the shifter. I think the problem is with this little gold colored, cylindrical thing that's down by the shifter. I have no idea what this thing is called, or how to fix it.

Now the bigger (potential) problem. Anytime I shift from park to reverse, or to drive, the entire engine lurches a little bit. Is this normal? I never noticed it on my 94 Civic, but I never looked for it either. I have a 3000 mile / 3 month warranty on the engine and transmission, so if something's wrong I want to get it fixed while it's still under warranty.

Thanks