The release button wont go all the way down/in when I try pushing it. If i turn the key to turn the car on (but it wont start) the release button springs back up. I sat there for about 30 mins trying to get it to work but no luck. Anyone have this happen before or know how to fix it?

 

Ok buddy are you trying to start the car or remove the key? Try to give more information while I sit back and think of a way to read your mind over the Internet and know exactly what you're trying to say.

Also, what year is your car and do you have auto or manual tranmission. I bet you have an auto.

-Kaleb

 

I just got the key out, thanks... I did about 30 mins of searching and I took suggestions from there. Sorry for not making it clear. It's a 92 auto and I was trying to turn the car off and take the key out. Turns out, I had it in park but for some reason the car didnt 'switch' to park. All I had to do was take it out of park and put it back in park and it fixed the problem.

 

Yeah there's a switch in the shifter assembly that actuates the key lock solenoid in the ignition column. That's what I thought the problem was but then again from your wording it sounded like you couldn't START the car as well, so that's why I was confused.

If you've ever spilled a syrupy beverage on the console it can cause problem for the shift lock solenoid as well as the key lock switch, you might want to check it out some day to see if anything is gummed up.

-Kaleb

 

turn off the car and in between ACC and off you push that button to release the key. However, with this problem the release button won't budge. You can go past the ACC button (towards off) far enough to shut everything off but you can't get the key out because the button won't go in. My temporary solution (until I have time to find the cause off this) is to keep the steering column cover removed so that I have access to the entire ignition switch. On the back side (firewall side) of the switch, somewhat close to the button, there is a little silver button that pops out shortly after I turn on the car. Simply push that button in and you will be able to push in the other black button to get your key out.

Now my question would be does anyone know what causes this? Its somehow related to the shift release switch (the one that lets you put it in gear when you press on the brake), because it wont work until after that silver button has popped out. There is only one (well, 2, power and ground) wire that goes to that silver button, so I was just gonna chase that wire when I had the time.

Thanks

 

some of my post got cut off, but I think you get the idea. I'm new at posting as my tag suggests. I see that you fixed your problem tilt and its doesn't sound the same as mine. Anyone out there help me with my problem?

 

porter:
you dont need to remove the whole steering column plastic cover to access the release switch, you can remove the small plastic trim just around the ignition and then you should be able to get to it (search for more info)

try this and see if you can get your key out with the button, if you can, then something is wrong with the shift release. I'd say probably the relay
there used to be something about it at www.annulardesign.com/maxima but it looks like that is down right now

basically just unplug that 2 wire harness that leads to the release button. You should still have to press the big button to release the keys, but it shouldn't be dependant on the relay anymore

 

I had it like that before and just did it again on my lunch break. The problem with that is then my shift release switch doesn't hardly ever work. Oddly, it works occasionally, but for the most part it seems to need that silver button to pop b4 it works. Where would these 2 systems come together. Also, my power locks behave very funny and I thought all these may be related through the security system but I haven't had the time to look into these things.

Thanks again,

PS I've been so busy because I'm outprocessing the military. My time is up and I'll be moving back to the DC area in about 3 weeks. Congrats to me.