Key release solenoid problem

[olopezm]

Hi guys,

it's one thing after the other with this car...

Today I attempted to replace the faulty ignition switch in my car, problem is that the guy from the store gave me the wrong part. Since I didn't take if off before buying it so I could only compare it to the ones I had seen in pictures.

Anyway, my real problem is that, after putting everything back together, the key release solenoid does not seems to be working; I have to manually depress it (through the hole under the column) to retrieve the key. It was working fine before and never acted up. I connected everything the way it was and rechecked after I found out about it, but saw nothing wrong with it.

Is it possible that it might be a little out of alignment or it's too much coincidence and the solenoid has gone bad from one moment to another?!!!

I'll appreciate any comments as always. Hopefully I'll be able to take it apart tomorrow if I get the correct part this time (hope it's in stock).

Oscar.

[Tech II]

Sure you reconnected the lock solenoid? If you did check for power to that harness, when you are in there....

Could be coincidence it happened at this time, but check the harness to the BTSI solenoid in the shifter if you have no power, under the center console....have seen those wires break from flexing....some times they break inside the insulation.....

[olopezm]

Thanks Tech II,

Today I got the correct ignition switch and replaced it, unfortunately that didn't solve the key release solenoid problem. I started troubleshooting by connecting a multimeter across both terminals and I saw alternator voltage while the shifter switch was released, depressing the switch would cause the voltage to drop to 0; connected a test light and it seemed kinda weak; I removed the solenoid from the column and tested it with regulated 12v power source and it worked, it's quite strong so I decided to remove part of the center console to take a look at the SBTI module and I immediately found the PPL/WHT wire to the key release solenoid was hanging on a small thread of wire, I added some new wire, soldered everything and tested... NOTHING. I decided to jump that purple wire to the PNK (power) one and the solenoid surely worked, however reconnecting everything causes the solenoid to be dead, it kinda seems like it tries to move from time to time but not enough. Conclusion is either the SBTI module or the shifter switch is bad, I was tired of working on it and decided to just remove the key release solenoid and drive that way.

I find it real strange for it to act up just after disconnecting the ignition switch, never had a problem with the key before. I don't know what happened and since the module is riveted to the shifter assembly, I don't plan on taking another look at it. Personally I think it's a good idea with a stupid design...

Oscar.

[Tech II]

You are correct....by jumping the pink wire to the purple/white wire, that should activate the park lock in the column....the fact it doesn't when connected to the BTSI, means the switch in the shifter is bad.....can't be replaced......need to replace the whole shifter(expensive).....

The way I have seen this "repaired", without replacing an expensive shifter, is techs have wrapped the solenoid with tape so that that plunger is in the retracted state....this allows the key to come out.....

[olopezm]

Thanks man,

I know, I'm not planning to replace that whole assembly just because of a stupid design. I removed the solenoid from the column and will just forget about it. How many times have you turned your keys while driving? None...

Oscar.