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View Full Version : Can't get key out when cold 89LX AT



carol89lx
01-05-2005, 07:54 AM
When its cold the ignition key won't turn off
until the "park indicator light" comes on. I have
replaced the electrical ignition switch to no avail.
Sometimes I have to wait 4 minutes before I can
turn the key to the lock position and remove it. I
have missed my bus several times because of this
and sometimes I just have to leave the key in and
put a towel over it. HELP Of course in the summer
I have no problem.

Blkblurr
01-05-2005, 08:22 AM
Your problem is the switch assembly in the console that detects what position the shift lever is in. The lubrication on the spring loaded switch contact gets sticky due to age. The colder it gets the longer it takes to make contact indicating you are in park. Take the console cover off, take the switch assembly apart, clean the old lubrication off and regrease it. This should fix the problem. This is quite common on AT's

Hope this helps

carol89lx
01-05-2005, 10:22 AM
[/B]Thank you so much for that info. I had looked at the
console but hadn't the fogyest idea what I was looking for. Who
would have thought it was a lubrication problem?

Shakedown
01-05-2005, 07:52 PM
Hey I have the same problem. I just read this so now I know how to fix the problem, but what I do is once i put it in park I just keep tapping the shift button and jiggle it a bit. Usually after about 10-15 seconds it detects it and I can pull out the key

Blkblurr
01-06-2005, 08:37 AM
Here is a link to the instructions I wrote down when I did mine.
http://www.3geez.com/showthread.php?t=30101

carol89lx
01-10-2005, 09:01 AM
Fixed the problem. Your instructions were very good Blkbluff. I also had a probablem with the engine not heating up. Replaced the thermostat. The old one had some kind of orange GAK, probably
sealing compound used in parts replacement that found its way to
the thermostat. The car heats up fast and seems to run a lot better.

Blkblurr
01-10-2005, 01:44 PM
Glad to be of help