sdolla86

hey all, I got a 96 ls400 and I seem to be having an issue after I'm done driving and tying to turn the car off. I have no issues with turning the car on and putting it in drive/reverse/park but when I'm done driving I put it into park and I can't seem to get the key out. It clicks into the on position and won't click back into the "lock" position.

I noticed a clicking sound coming from the transmission when I press the brakes. It sounds like the park/neutral safety switch. The only way I can remove the key from the ignition is to place the car from drive into park and then turning the key back while holding the brakes the entire time.

When I drive I do sometimes hear a very similar clicking sound while driving almost as if the safety switch is coming lose and then back on.. is this an issue with my switch? Shifter assembly? Or maybe the ignition lock cylinder ?

thanks.

Losiracer2

is your key worn down or damaged at all?

sdolla86

No, I have tried two different keys with the same result.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

sounds like the switch at the shifter is bad. when pressing the brake, it triggers the solenoid at the shifter to release the gear lever. when you shift the car into park, a solenoid triggers the ignition to release the key.
I would try and clean up the shifter by removing the wood panel and seeing if any debris or soda/coffee spilled in there causing a problem.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Sometimes I have to push the shifter to the left in park to release the key.