key won't come out on 97 - intermittent.

Sometimes I can not remove the key after shutting car off. Can not turn key back beyond "accessory" position. Problem related to shifting lever and more specifically to the "trigger" release knob. When problem occuring, I do not hear the solenoid noise as I press and release the trigger. When I hear solenoid, I know I can then remove key.

To troubleshoot further, probably need to remove the shift mechenism. How do I separate the shift cable from the mechanism?

I drove for several days without the console cover and it didn't happen. Put cover back on, told wife she could drive and it started happening again. Driving me nuts.

Usually have to shift into drive and back to park multiple times to get it to work.

Problem is intermittent but getting more frequent. Can someone help?

I cant really help but just to let you know, my 96 does the same thing. So your not alone. I just sit there for a minute or two, make a phone call then after i hang up the phone, it comes out.

I cant really help but just to let you know, my 96 does the same thing. So your not alone. I just sit there for a minute or two, make a phone call then after i hang up the phone, it comes out.

Misery loves company but, in my case, I think I've got it solved. The electrical connector that plugs into the shift lever probably was making poor contact. I pulled the shift lever mechanism to get a better view and there was oxidation on the contacts.

I got a tube of Ox-Guard and used it to clean and protect the contacts. I have used Ox-Guard at work and have solved numerous recurring intermittent problems in the same way.

At least I thought I'd try that before buying a new mechanism or used console for $60.00 at the junk yard. But I think the Ox-Guard will work. Will follow up in several weeks or if problem returns.

When you had the console off, look inside under shifter at the part that slides with shifter. I've had change, pennies, nickles and such get in the track and keep the shifter from shifting from park to a gear, and also from drive into park, not letting me get hte key out. But it is hard to say without seeing it, but maybe a few new ideas will help yoou out. Go GA!

Back to the drawing board on this. I thought I had it with the connector but was wrong. The intermittent problem returned. The problem won't stay around long enough for me to trace the cause. Like by the time I get the conosle torn apart it is working again. The problem goes through periods. Sometiems very nasty like PMS just keep repeating, then won't do it for a few days but never nice for a whole month.

When it's nice you can engage and disengage all you want with no problems - no fail. When it's in a nasty mood you can fiddle with it for up to maybe 5 minutes before it will allow you to withdraw - the key.

The schematics seem to indicate most wiring from the console goes to the computer module. It is either in the solenoid in the stearing column that allows the key to be removed, the computer module, a switch in the console, or wiring. The console shifter switches are embeded in a sealed assembly.

It is wife's car and she's not patient enough person to wait a few minutes to resolve itself. Maybe I should get her a cell phone.

I'm hoping someone that has resolved this in the past can lead me in the right direction.

I found a little access panel on underside of stearing column. Popped it open and can now see the solenoid. Can reach in with pinky finger and push plunger in direction parallel to stearing column and towards the driver.

With battery disconnected to similate the condition, was able to manually override the lockout which purpose is to ensure car is in park before turning off. Demonstrated to wife how this is done and advised her to make sure car is in park first with handBrake pulled.

Next time condition arrises, will now be able to determine if there is power to the solenoid but it's sticking or if there is no power. After the massage, if it stays engaged there is power to it.

More later.