Key will not release from ignition

PASSINTHETAURUS

MEMBER
1995 SATURN SL2
1.9L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
133,000 MILES

The key turns to start car. Works fine. But, will not turn back all the way to get key out when done driving. So key just stays in all the time, covered with a crown royal bag.
At one point I spilled red bull onto automatic gear shift area. Could this of gotten down in my shifter and froze up something that I then broke? Its almost like its not in "park" all the way, and so key won't come out. Still goes into all settings (D, R, N, 1, 2)
What do you think?

3 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

So does it only go back to the acc position?I have seen the bitsi solenoid and bitsi solenoid arms get gummed up from coffee soda etc. Also the bitsi cable being out of adjustment can cause this as well.

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Thursday, March 30th, 2017 AT 1:15 PM

PASSINTHETAURUS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Seems to go past ACC position just not quite all the way back. My battery would probably die often if it was just in ACC, right? Battery is always fine even when car sits for a few days.
The bitsi parts you mention.I'm guessing that would be under gear selector? I PB Blasted down in there. Didn't help. Does this sound hard to fix if thats the problem area?

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Saturday, April 1st, 2017 AT 7:33 PM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

Remove the front ashtray cubbie at the front of the console it just pops out. Then you will see the bitsi cable it adjusts take some clear pictures of the cable and post them.I can then tell you if the cable is in adjustment. Let's start there.

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Saturday, April 1st, 2017 AT 8:06 PM