Backstory:

A while back I replaced the radio/cd player in my car. In the process, I unplugged the in-dash clock. I finally had some free time and it was a nice day, so I figured I'd tear the dash apart and plug it in. That didn't take too long, so while I was out there, I took apart the center console to retrieve a quarter that had fallen down a crack and was making an awful rattling sound. Also no problem. Got everything back together, set the clock, drove around the block to make sure I hadn't bumped any wires loose, tested all the electronics, and all was well. Got home, parked, and that's where the fun began.

I couldn't remove my key from the ignition. I put it back in gear, then back in park, tried again. No go. It goes from On to ACC and won't rotate to the off position to be removed. I know it's electrical, because if I take off a battery contact I can turn they key to the off position and remove it with no problem. Reconnect the battery, put the key in, starts up fine, but then can't take it out again.

I'm stumped, anyone have any idea what's going on?

 

Check the little rod in connected to the shift lock in front of the shifter itself. If you removed that part of it and knocked it loose it won't let oyu take the key out. You will see a little rod, a few inches long going from the shifter to a little box in front of the shifter. When you look in there you'll see what I'm talking about and it will make sense where it is supposed to go.

I'd take a picture of mine and send it to you, however my shift lock ecu burned up on me and I wasn't able to remove the key, or shift out of park without pushing the shift lock override button every time. So I just took all that crap out.

 

I'll check that out tomorrow, thanks. The second part of your post sounds interesting.... What all did you take out, and what was involved?
Are you talking about the little box in metal brackets at the front right of the shifting cluster?

 

Yes, that is exactly what I'm talking about.

It took a little 'modifying' to get the shift lock completely removed, but I don't really feel like spending the 50 bucks to not have to push the little override button every time I wanna shift out of park.

Once you get in there and play around with it a little bit, you'll see what I did. Not exactly difficult, just takes a litle creativity

 

Hmm, I'll play with it tomorrow, got the day off.

 

I had my day off today and got to replace my starter. That was a fun little adventure... kicking myself for not replacing it while I had it out replacing the tranny... Oh well.