Shiftlock override stuck in down position. Key will not come out of ignition.

Kelliann72225 · Post by **Kelliann72225** » 16 Dec 2016, 05:49

So I just brought my car to the shop to be inspected. They managed to get my key stuck in my ignition. I've been online and I realize that the typical issue seems to be that the shifter know Button is stuck in and that's why this happens. I believe this is what happened at the shop however I think the mechanic then tried to press the shift lock override button and got it stuck. I am now noticing that the button which is stuck seems to have screwdriver marks on it so it looks like he tried to pry it out and failed. I'm a little frustrated because if it tech couldn't get this out with the array of tools he has at his disposal I don't know how I'm going to possibly get it unstuck in -10° weather with no tools and being a girl...
I'm really frustrated but I didn't have more money to throw at him to fix the problem that he made and I have a spare key I can use to lock my car but I live in the city I have on street parking and I'm not comfortable with the key being in my ignition constantly. I could really use some help. Everything I'm seeing seems to focus on the shifter knob and that is not my problem. My problem is the shift lock override button that is at about the 1 o'clock position on the shifter console.

Post by **cn90** » 16 Dec 2016, 10:19

Give this a try, you have nothing to lose.
Get some popcorn and your favorite drink and watch this movie...

Herb Goltz · Post by **Herb Goltz** » 16 Dec 2016, 11:14

Since the key is in the ignition, it won't be difficult to remove the cable that runs from the shift interlock button to the mechanical part of the ignition swtich. Drop the cladding underneath the steering wheel (a couple of torx screws), then squeeze the connector end of the cable and remove it. Everything should work fine, except the steering lock. It's been a while, so I don't recall exactly which key position the key needs to be in to let the cable come out, but you can figure it out by trial and error.

Good luck!

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 16 Dec 2016, 23:36

Get a pair of slip-joint pliers or small channel-locks.
Adjust then to get an even grip on the interlock button.
Find something to protect the shifter interlock button from
the jaws of the pliers. Something thin and grippy like one of
those thin rubber pads for helping get the lids off of jars.

The fit of that button in the shifter console is a very close
tolerance and you don't want to mar or gouge the sides of the
button, or it'll be even more difficult to persuade it to pop up.

Grip the button firmly and pull straight up.
Now, NEVER push that button again!

OR get out some WD40, spray it around the button
to loosen up the spilled soda, coffee or other sticky
substance that's probably making it stick. Work that
button until it pops all the way back up.

Retrieve your key.

You may also have a sticky button in the shfter handle
itself. Be sure that it operates smoothly as well.

pinto1212 · Post by **pinto1212** » 01 Mar 2021, 10:01

Many thanks. tried several sites online, and a trip to mechanic, but he was busy today, so saw your solution, and it worked. had tried the WD but not the jimmying of the button. thanks mucho!!!

rfm77555 · Post by **rfm77555** » 07 Oct 2022, 09:07

Same as Pinto 1212......many thanks. darn shift lock button was also my issue.