BradleyS

Hey friends, I have read in the forum and I have found any real solid answer yet. Can anyone please help me?
I have a 1991 Lexus LS400 I'm having problems with, I put key in ignition, it starts and drives fine, put it in park fine, but go to turn it off and the key won't turn all the way to the left so I can remove it from lock cylinder.

I've wiggled steering wheel, shift lever and just had the lock cylinder rekeyed and it still does it. When I disconnect the battery, key comes right out and operates like a brand new car. I'm thinking something electrical....?
What are your thoughts? Thanks, Bradley.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

neutral safety switch is failing methinks.

dicer

That is a very interesting deal. There must be an electrical blocking device that will not let the key turn all the way, until the transmission selector is in park. It must not be getting its signal to let the switch turn.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

it's meant to stop you removing the key from the ignition without the vehicle in park, it's a common feature on most automatic cars made in the past 30 years.

dicer

Yeah I know, but on the old shifter on the column its easy how it works. Its just different on one where the shifter is floor mounted and the key switch is far from it. Just never paid attention to it I guess.

Stoby

I have the same problem 93 ls400
Cant release key unless I disconnect the battery . I figure its some solenoid but I'm having a hard time finding someone who says exactly which one or what else it might be . Its not the key or cylinder . It must be a park lock type system can someone please clarify a fix or a bypass
I can live with disconnecting battery but it wont fly for my old lady
Any help greatly appreciated
Stoby

dicer

I didn't study it, but I saw an LS at the wrecking yard and the whole dash was out. The ignition switch assembly had 2 electrical things on the side other than the main wire harness. One of those must be that stop solenoid, and since disconnecting the battery does the trick, then I bet if the proper one is disconnected it won't hold the key.

BradleyS

Take your shifter, console and duct work for rear air out, and by the shift lever there's a shift lock control computer.
I'll post pics of mine. I had a burnt cap/fuse whatever you want to call it. (See R12)
In the manual I checked the system out and everything else tested good. I bet that's your problem too!
Let me know? Thanks and good luck!