2001 S40 automatic shifter/ignition key gets stuck

[kevoinidaho]

So I bought the 2001 S40 from the salvage yard and other than some small cosmetic issues it has one problem. The ignition key gets stuck in the ignition when you shift (automatic) to park, shut off the engine and try to return the key to the "0" position and remove the key. An employee at the yard showed me a solenoid underneath the shifter housing that he said allows you to remove the key. Depressing the solenoid plunger that the shifter is suppose to activate does not allow me to remove the key. I tried this several dozens of times before I was able to remove the key and can not say that that is what finally worked or maybe it was just trying over and over agian that worked. Also, the shifter button on the shifter that allows you to move the shifter seems to be broken or barely working. If there is a fix, I would like to know, if not, what do I need to replace? It seems to be the whole shifter-solenoid-ignition interface?! I'm poor and need to do as much work myself rather than pay someone else. I have only owned used cars for 35 years and have had to work on them here and there but I am by no means a mechanic! In the end, I would rather replace a part with a new or reliably rebuilt one than continue to dink around with something that works intermittantly. Thanks for any advice in advance and I greatly appreciate this message board and Matthew!

[jblackburn]

The shifter knob button is what controls the key coming out.

Pry the button out and the key should come out. Take a paperclip and scrape the gunk arojnd the edges of the button, and then some white lithium grease (not WD40 please) and spray around the edges of the button. Grab and release it several times to see if it loosens up.

If not, you can score a new knob from a junkyard for very cheap.

[dixtrix]

Had same problem... sprayed all around button with silicone and now it's slick (pun intended) and the key is readily removable,