Problem re: Ignition lock cylinder not always releasing the key

Hi all

Here is the problem with the GSX.

When I put the car in park, sometimes the ignition cylinder does not allow the key to be removed. I have to run the shifter up and down through the range from park to 1st at few times, before the steering column collar will turn far enough to allow the key to be removed. I have checked the neutral safety switch at the base of the steering column and it is not loose.

So, does this indicate a problem with:
a) the neutral safety switch
b) the ignition switch
c) the steering rack inside the column, or
d) any combination of the above

Or, something different?

Cheers
Randy

 

Randy,
If you have the reverse lockout installed on the car you may have to adjust it a little, so the column will rotate far enough to go all the way in park, push the pin into the locking plate at the top of the column, and allow the key to be removed.

The rod runs straight down the firewall and has a locking piece with a bolt in it. You would need to loosen up the bolt, adjust the rod position, and then tighten it up.

That should do the trick.
Duane

PS. Do this with the car all the way in park. This should put it in the correct place.

 

Exactly what Duane said. Loosen the bolt on the trunion where the two reverse lockout rods connect down by the transmission. Then have someone turn the steering column as far to the left as possible and hold it while you tighten the bolt.

 

Sorry Duane. I do not understand. You mention reverse lockout. Is that not a feature of manual trans cars? Mine is automatic.

I don't understand your instructions and I do not yet have my copy of the service manual.

Randy

 

Under the driver’s floorboard:

 

Randy,
If you look at the bottom of the "Back Drive Rod" in Larry's picture, you will see the adjustment clamp at the bottom. The screw that is in the unit is what you loosen, then push the rod up against the "stop" and tighten back up.

That rod is the same part of the reverse lock/back drive for both manual and auto cars. The terminology is the only thing that is different.
Duane

PS. I have everything together now to send you. I could not find the clip, but found it yesterday, so I will get everything out soon.

 

After adjusting be sure to check your back-up lights to be sure they still work . and the neutral safety switch

 

Thanks Larry. Much clearer now.

Just for sake of argument, if this adjustment does not solve the problem, where should I investigate next?

Cheers
Randy

 

Thanks to everyone for your help. Greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Randy

 

In the meantime (or if the fix doesn’t work) try grabbing the bowl on the column and rotate it ccw to release the key.
Patrick

 

I agree Jason but I double the amount of Cold Beers . Then You won't care if its fixed or not .

I just had the same thing happen on the Wife's 04 Blazer . Turns out there is a solenoid gadget That lets the key fully turn off . Her's was weird as its floor shift and most were column shift . Even the dealer couldn't fine the part I needed until I took a picture of it . So I fixed it and then had my beers . LOL

 

Made the small adjustment with the tranny in neutral and got it right.