Problem: One day I put my car into park, and the key wouldn't come out. The doors unlocked and everything, just the key wouldn't come out. After a bit of research and messing with my shifter in my center console, I found that if I lift a metal piece up with a screw driver, that it would allow me to take my key out ( I wish I knew the name of the metal piece, couldn't find a diagram. See attached image) I initially thought my shift cable needed adjusted, that didn't help. I'm thinking it's the shift interlock solenoid now but not totally sure. Curious if anyone has encountered this issue? Thanks in advance!

 

Do you think you could post other photos from all angles? I too am having a hard time finding a diagram with and real detail about this. More info could allow others to also chime in.

 

Bulletin No.: 06-02-35-005

Date: February 28, 2006

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Key Stuck in Ignition, Key Will Not Return to Off Position, Shifter Button Won't Release in Park Position (Adjust Shifter Detent Finger)

Models:
2002-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Condition

Customers may comment on any of the following conditions:-The key is stuck in the ignition cylinder.
-They cannot return the key to the off position to remove the key.
-The shifter button won't release in the park position.
Cause

This condition may be caused by the detent finger shifting over time. This may result in mis-alignment and binding of the shift rod on the shift position guide.

Correction

DO NOT REPLACE THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY. Use the following procedure to adjust the shifter detent finger.1.Apply the parking brake.
2.Shift the transaxle shift lever from Park to 2.
3.Remove the front floor console trim plate screw located between I/P and shift lever
4.Open the storage compartment door.
5.Lift the trim plate up and slightly rearward.
6.Remove the wiring harness from the retainers.
7.Disconnect the traction control switch electrical connector and disconnect the heated seats (if equipped).
8.Loosen the shifter boot retainer and rotate out of the way in order to gain access to the shifter detent finger.







Important: Refer to diagram - # XXXXX shows how the detent will look after it is properly adjusted; # XXXXX shows a mis-adjusted detent finger.

9.Loosen the fastener to allow the detent finger to adjust.
10.After the detent finger is adjusted, tighten the fastener.
11.Connect the traction control switch electrical connector and connect the heated seats (if equipped).
12.Install the wiring harness to the retainers.
13.Reinstall the shifter boot retainer.
14.Reinstall the console trim plate and screw.

 

Y’all really helped me solve the problem that’s kept “Monty” parked for almost a year. Turned out solution was purely mechanical—park interlock solenoid wiring is VERY dirty but works fine! Lol See video ( ).

More info:
“The park interlock solenoid was stuck closed (“...spilled coffee,” I was told afterwards. Lol) preventing the shifter detent button from being able to be pushed in. The only hard part of the fix, since removal of the console with the shifter in park is impossible without cutting the console top in half, was finding something to prop the console top up for access. An empty 12 oz. aluminum Coke can did the trick! 😁😎”

 

Y’all really helped me solve the problem that’s kept “Monty” parked for almost a year. Turned out solution was purely mechanical—park interlock solenoid wiring is VERY dirty but works fine! Lol See video ( ).

More info:
“The park interlock solenoid was stuck closed (“...spilled coffee,” I was told afterwards. Lol) preventing the shifter detent button from being able to be pushed in. The only hard part of the fix, since removal of the console with the shifter in park is impossible without cutting the console top in half, was finding something to prop the console top up for access. An empty 12 oz. aluminum Coke can did the trick! 😁😎”

NOTE – Brand new member. Would post a poll but can’t find any tool, button, hints, etc., etc., how to get that done HERE! 🤣 Lol