[john_pawel]

The key is stuck in the ignition and the steering wheel is not locking. However, you can get the car in gear and it is driveable; it's just that you can't get the key out. What to do?

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Steering Lock Replacement, Including ATX Key Interlock System

1. Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Remove dashboard lower cover and knee bolster.
3. Disconnect 5-P connector from the under-dash fuse box and 7-P connector from the main wire harness.
4. Remove steering column covers.
5. Remove column holder mounting bolts and nuts.
6. Lower steering column assembly.
7. Center punch both shear bolts and drill heads off with a 5 mm drill bit, being careful not to damage the switch body when removing shear bolts.
8. Remove shear bolts from switch body.
9. Install new steering lock assembly (with key interlock solenoid*, if appropriate) without the key inserted.
10. Loosely tighten new shear bolts.
11. Insert ignition key and check for proper operation of steering wheel lock and that ignition key turns freely.
12. Tighten shear bolts until hex heads twist off.

*The ignition key cannot be removed from the ignition switch, unless the shift lever is in Park. When the shift lever is in any position other than Park, a solenoid is activated, making it impossible for the key to be removed until the shift lever is moved to Park.

If the key cannot be removed, the key interlock solenoid is OK. If the key can be removed, replace the steering lock assembly (key interlock solenoid is not available separately).

[rickstoon]

In an automatic, there is a small switch, activated by a vertical pin that is attached to the shift lever. In park, the switch is activated and allows the key to be removed from the ignition.

Remove the center console and plastic shift position indicator. This will expose the mechanism. From the drivers side of the center console, you will be able to see the switch and whether it's broken. It's a small switch and can easily break if not disconnected and reinstalled properly. The switch is located on the driver side to the front of the shifter mechanism. To remove the switch, remove the flex-plate that holds the shifter in the proper gear position. Remove the single screw and the flex plate. This makes removal and installation much easier. Watch that the switch is in position and reinstall the mechanism.