Key Stuck In Ignition

[Forscythe87]

I recently had problems with my shift being super stiff. From what I looked into it was the gear cable. My problem with that has since gone away a few days after lubing it up with WD-40. I did order a cable just in case I need to replace it later on.

Today I went to the store and when it was time to get out of the car I put it in park as usual and was unable to get the key out of the ignition. I tried starting the car and it wouldn't. So I tried switching the gears and it ran through all the ranges easily. I was then able to remove the key.

Could this be linked to the the shifter cable? Or could it be the "thingy" that disengages the shifter itself. Seems like a simple thing to fix. Someone told me it could be the tranny going bad, but from everything I know that seems inaccurate.

[jeffcoslacker]

My guess is the cable is adjusted slightly wrong, and not going fully into Park, so the column lock and key release is in some kind of conflict...

It should start in Neutral, if it gets really hung before you figure it out.

If you seperated the cable under the hood to lube it, it may need a slight adjustment, or could be stretching...you may need that new cable yet...

I don't think the shift detent/brake interlock is involved, that will usually cause trouble getting out of Park...

[Forscythe87]

Originally Posted by jeffcoslacker

My guess is the cable is adjusted slightly wrong, and not going fully into Park, so the column lock and key release is in some kind of conflict...

It should start in Neutral, if it gets really hung before you figure it out.

If you seperated the cable under the hood to lube it, it may need a slight adjustment, or could be stretching...you may need that new cable yet...

I don't think the shift detent/brake interlock is involved, that will usually cause trouble getting out of Park...

Thanks jeefcoslacker. Thats what I figured but just wanted to make sure since im a novice. Good thing I have a cable on order!