Removing ignition key

[Siamanda]

Hi just wondering if anyone can help with a fault that appeared today. When I turn of the ignition, the key will not go all the way back so I can remove the key. After a lot of jiggling the key will then come out. I removed the barrel and gave it a good clean, key move's easily. I know there is a cable that go' s form the ignition lock down too the auto gear selector. There is a lever that moves up and down, I can see that it is not dropping right back down to the bottom. This then allows the key to be removed. If I push it down the key will remove. The cable move's with no problem.

Any ideas ???????

 

[BMBabe]

@GazHyde @t-tony @Lee

 

[t-tony]

I can only assume one of two possibilities has occurred, either the cable has stretched slightly not allowing it to do its job properly, or, the cable needs adjusting?

Tony.

 

[Redline]

The lever you mention - Is it the level at the base of the gear selector under the gear gator? That lever provides the gear select interlock and also operates the cable to the ignition key. Is that the lever that isn't dropping into place when you put it into park?
If it is then as well as not being able to remove the key I expect the gear selector will allow you to get out of park (because park isn't fully engaged) and into R/N/D.

 

[Siamanda]

I can only assume one of two possibilities has occurred, either the cable has stretched slightly not allowing it to do its job properly, or, the cable needs adjusting?

Tony.

Hi tony thanks for your reply do you know how to adjust the cable.
Thanks simon

 

[t-tony]

Hi tony thanks for your reply do you know how to adjust the cable.
Thanks simon

Sorry Simon, I don't. Maybe @Brian4 may know as his car is an auto.

Tony.

 

[Siamanda]

Sorry Simon, I don't. Maybe @Brian4 may know as his car is an auto.

Tony.

Ok thanks. Looking at the cable,
I don't think you can adjust it.

 

[Redline]

Sorry Simon, I don't. Maybe @Brian4 may know as his car is an auto.

Tony.

Unable to find anything about how to adjust the cable but its mentioned as the solution in a few posts.
If you take out the ashtray is there an adjustment at that end of the cable?
I presume it routes from the gear selector via the brake pedal and up to the ignition switch - As you have to have the brake pressed to move the gear selector there must be something there too.

 

[Redline]

Have you tried pushing the gear selector firmly into park?
Also have you tried without the engine running (and giggle the steering column too)?

 

[t-tony]

Ok thanks. Looking at the cable,
I don't think you can adjust it.

Could be that it is stretched then mate, might be worth enquiring at Soper's for the cost of a new one?

Tony.

 

[Siamanda]

Will take all apart and re-assemble and see if it makes a difference, maybe just wearing tear and needs replacing i'll see what happens and let you know
Thanks for all your help Simon