Ignition key won't turn to "off" - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

pj's b4z · 02-14-2010, 03:34 PM

Ummm.... HELP! My key won't turn back. It will turn forward to start the car and returns to the run position, but WILL NOT turn back to the "off" position. It is an auto trans with a tilt column... tried to wiggle the column but no luck. I'm gonna pay a guy to put a new lock cylinder in soon, but could it be something else? I am not really comfortable tearing into the column myself and don't have a steering wheel puller anyways. Any advice would be greatly appreciated so I don't go into this repair blind! Thanks- Phil

camaronewbie · 02-14-2010, 04:52 PM

Is it in park? I'd tear into the center console and make sure it's going all the way into park, and that the park safety switch and lever are engaging all the way.

pj's b4z · 02-14-2010, 05:02 PM

Seems to be in Park... Car won't move when pushed. Is there a way to get to the switch by removing the cover plate around the shifter or is the plastic all one piece? (I hate those fake torx bolts!) I don't have time to play with it right now

getting ready to leave the house...

pj's b4z · 02-14-2010, 05:04 PM

I've also tried to push the shifter further into park, but no dice!

itsMikey · 02-14-2010, 08:37 PM

it usually does that to me when its not in park...gotta be something with the tranny not shifting all the way into park.

matts86cam · 02-15-2010, 12:01 AM

I had another vehicle parked unevenly on an incline with the pass. side tires elevated and the fromt tire had kanked to one side, I also couldnt get the key out. after about an hour someone else finally got the key out by using all of his might to turn the steering wheel and release it. Might sound crazy but the guy that was straining to turn the wheel was 250 lbs.