Key is stuck after replacing shift cable

2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU

170,000 MILES • 3.5L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

YOURBOY1

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I changed out the shift cable and ever since I can't remove the key. I've tried everything from wiggling the key, turning the wheel, pressing the brake to standing on my head speaking French. That key is not coming out. It was fine before the replacement of the cable but nothing I do gets the key to remove from the ignition. It starts and turns of the vehicle. The shifter works great it's just the stuck key.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Aug 29, 2020 at 2:53 PM

KASEKENNY

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18,907 POSTS

More then likely this is one of two issues. Either the transmission range sensor is not in the correct position but more likely the cable is out of adjustment. Basically the key is not going to release if the vehicle is not in park. The vehicle may be in park but if these are out of adjustment it will think it is not in park so it won't release the key.

I attached the process on how to replace/adjust the part cable. Run through this and tell us what you find and we can go from there. Thanks

Images (Click to enlarge)

Aug 29, 2020 at 3:51 PM