Key Stuck in the ignition

[pbkahn]

All,

Over the weekend I upgraded my 1998 A4 with a new shifter (I purchased the adapter from Zip-Corvette). The installation went fine, but after we completed it, I could not get the key out of the ignition. I can still turn the key to ACC-On and Start, and I can turn the key back far enough to stop the engine, however, I cannot get it all the way back so that I can remove the key.

I have just under 50K miles on the car.

Could this be related to the new shift knob that I installed, or is it just bad timing?

Also, any suggestions for how to get the key out? (i've tried moving the steering wheel, etc.)

Lastly, if I have to take it to the dealer, what will they have to do, and how much will it cost?

Thanks
Peter

 

[dmkoger]

Is your car an auto? Sounds like it may not be going all the way into Park. Check your shifter.

 

[JonM]

I know someone will chime in for the 98, but the earlier models have a park/lock cable adjustment...seeing as you changed the shifter, you may need to look into this. Hope you have it in Reverse (manual) Park (auto)

 

[Lucky]

Is your car an auto? Sounds like it may not be going all the way into Park. Check your shifter.

I had a similar problem with my '96 Auto...the shift knob wasn't popping all the way up when it wasn't completley into Park

 

[c4c5specialist]

HI there,
You may have to adjust the cable, after changing the shifter.
Please reference the attached, to see what I am talking about.
You MUST have the car in neutral, with the Ebrake set.
Just remember, pry out the section, and you may see it move slightly, and tension relieved.
Please let us know how you make out, c4c5

 

[pbkahn]

c4c5specialist,

Thanks for the information. I am going to be de-installing the shift knob tonight to see if this is the problem. Unfortunately, when looking at the picture that you posted, I am not sure what I am looking at. Could you please provide me with a little commentary on what I am looking at?

Thanks
Peter

 

[jorge33265]

re:

pbkahn, Im also planning on adding a different shifter for my auto. I was just concerned that after you add the adapter and the new shifter it would add to much height. Is that the case in your car or how does it look? If you can post a picture that would be great. Thanks.... Sorry about the key thing.. as you will find out nothing is easy with these cars but you goto love them.. Im sure its just a matter of adjusting that cable.

 

[c4c5specialist]

c4c5specialist,

Thanks for the information. I am going to be de-installing the shift knob tonight to see if this is the problem. Unfortunately, when looking at the picture that you posted, I am not sure what I am looking at. Could you please provide me with a little commentary on what I am looking at?

Thanks
Peter

HI there,
I am sorry, this is the cable attachment, which inserts into the shifter itself. You will find this below the bracketry.
I hope that this helps, and please let me know if you need anything further, c4c5

 

[pbkahn]

Got the key out

Well, I removed the new shift knob, and the key came out immediately.

I think the problem is that the spring that was sent with the adapter was too big.

Has anyone else installed an aftermarket shift knob on a C5 Auto? I am going to post in another forum to try to get a response.

Thanks for all of the help.

Peter