Transmission? Electrical?

[njobstar]

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu and my key ignition will not always turn to off. I noticed that if I mess with the shift lever when it is park it then clicks, and then I can pull the key out. I took it to a shop and they insisted it was the ignition switch even though I tried to tell them on a couple occasions that I think it was that the car is not reading that its in park or something. But nonetheless at their insistence I had them replace the ignition switch. Well it did not fix the issue and they are willing to put the old ignition in and refund me. However, I am wondering what else the issue could. Transmission? Electrical?? Please help!

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, only a guess here, sounds like the shift likage is binding or needs adjustment to get it into a proper position so the key can be removed.

[Tech II]

Get your money back for the ignition switch....if this a is a floor shifter, it's either the BTSI solenoid(which is the whole shifter, I believe) or the harness to it(wire[s] tend to break)......More than likely it's a broken wire inside the insulation in the harness causing an intermittant connection......

Check your owner's manual......there should be a hole or access cover under the steering column in the area of the key......you push up with a small screwdriver or rod, and this depresses the plunger on lock solenoid which allows you to remove the key....