playa3uhh

I just installed my new Napolex shifter into my 1994 Lexus LS400. It is nice and everything, but after I installed it, when I turned the car off....the key wouldn't come out!?! It can't go into the lock position so I can take it out. It stops at Acc i think? Anyway, what do I do?? I don't want my car to get stolen! haha PLEASE HELP!! Thanks guys

--John

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

Check your shifter. Most likely it has not full returned to Park and the car thinks it's still in gear and not releasing the key.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

Probably the way the shifter fits makes it think it's in another gear. I couldn't say I know because I have never replaced mine.

sonbum1

iTrader: (3)

IT MAY JUST BE THAT YOU DIDN'T SCREW THE NEW SHIFTER DOWN FAR ENOUGH, sorry for yelling, it just hit me that this may be the problem. If it is not, youre in luck I just solved that problem in my car. The steering lock switch is either disconnected, or broken either is no big deal. how to fix. 1) remove wood bevel that suurounds gear shift. 2) remove peice w/ ETC switch, just pull it straight up. 3) remove gear indicator (4screws) you will also need to remove the gear shift ****. this pic shows basically what youre looking at. YOU can ALSO look IN lextreme.com in the V8 forums under fabrications, you'll see my name the pictures I attached there are a little bigger and clearer.

sonbum1

iTrader: (3)

This pic shows a close up, of the plastic slide peice that controls the ignition lock (labled as 1 in the pic) that clips in to the plastic slide peice of the shift lock mechanism (#2) When part 1 is all the way up the ignition lock is released and you will be able to turn your car all the way off, and remove the key. There is supposed to be an insert "tab" on part 1, that is linked into the "slot" of part 2. If it is broken (as mine is) take a small slotted screw driver and slide part 1 upward, most likly it will stay due to all the grease that will be in the area. If that tab is not broken put your car in nuetral slide the tab all the way up, and slowly put your car back in park allowing the "tab" to fit into the "slot." Good Luck!! If you have any questions PM me, I'll send you my phone numberand you can ask directly.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

You prolly didnt hook up the shift interlock switch that keeps teh shifter from moving without pressing your bake pedal. So now it doesnt know if your pressing your pedal or not, and assumes your not.

sonbum1

iTrader: (3)

NAh... The change out of the gear shift/ overdrive doesn't include shift lock mechanism, not to mention he could simply depress the shift lock over ride button and all would be well. Nah either the shifter was not screwed down far enough or it is what I previously posted.

PVSLS400

I have a similar issue here from a accident the trans went into park automaticly i think from the force but shifter is stuck in N i can shift down i mean N is park D is reverse D1 is neutral and D2 is drive. My question to you who has had there shifter out of the car is the shifter cable driven or is it a linkage like in old GM vehicles where it is a long metal rod. I will get the LS back tomorrow after it being in the body shop since Nov 23 and i dont want it in the shop anymore. Is this a DIY item or should i take it to the dealer and be without the car until next year?

PVSLS400

Nevermind Motor mounts and Trans mounts ripped so it moved motor and trans up 2 inches causing this ussue Thanks anyway

handyman

Knowing this is an old post, I have a 94 Lexus LS400 that seems to have the same problem with the key being stuck in the ignition. (Bought it that way) I am going to try the fix suggested with the pictures. One possible fix i have discovered thru trial and error. With car running turn off the key, after dash lights go out turn key to almost start or bump starter. My key can then be removed.

Tammy

"turn key to almost start or bump starter. My key can then be removed."

Did you turn the ignition back to off and lock prior to removing the key? Or remove it with the switch left on or ACC position.?

handyman

After almost start or bumping the starter, it allows me to turn the key past ACC to the off position and remove key from dash. should have been more detailed.