EI08045-Key Cannot Be Removed from Ignition with Gear Selector in Park, Shifter Cannot Be Moved From Park Position (Engineering Information)

Some customers may comment on either of the following conditions:

GM Engineering is attempting to determine the cause of not being able to remove the key from the ignition and/or the inability to move the transmission gear selector from the PARK position. Analysis of the shifter assemblies returned through the Warranty Parts Center show NTF (No Trouble Found). Therefore, GM has a need to obtain information from the technician during diagnosis and PRIOR to repair. This information will be used by engineering to root cause the condition and develop/validate a field fix.

Complete the steps listed in the appropriate section based on the condition. Note all information on the repair order.

1. Verify the VIN and mileage recorded on the repair order is accurate.
2. Check for evidence of a liquid spill on the shifter.

•	Yes -- Proceed to Step 11.

•	No -- Proceed to Step 3.

3. In the past 45 days, has the vehicle experienced a dead battery or been towed? If yes, please explain the circumstances.
4. Attempt to remove the key from the ignition. Record complaint verification.
5. Attempt to shift the vehicle from the Park position to another position without stepping on the brake. Record if successful.
6. Apply the brake and listen for a click coming from the shifter. Record if a click is heard indicating that the Brake Transmission Shift Interlock solenoid (BTSI) is firing appropriately. Note if the button fully releases.
7. Note whether the shift knob button has full travel or if the knob button travel seems short. This might indicated a bent shift lever. Is the shift lever bent?

•	Yes -- Record if the shift lever is bent forward or rearward. Proceed to Step 11.

•	No -- Proceed to Step 8.

8. Note whether simply moving the shift lever forward allows removal of the key. Can the key be removed?

•	Yes -- This would indicate a misadjusted shift cable -- proceed to Step 9.

•	No -- Proceed to Step 10.

Important:  Cable re-adjustment is easier with two people as one can hold the shift lever in Park during adjustment of the cable.

9. Use the following procedure to re-adjust the automatic transmission shift cable.

Automatic Transmission Shift Cable Re-Adjustment





9.1.	Place the shift lever in the PARK (P) position.

9.2.	Open the hood and locate the shift cable. The vehicle has a long two-piece cable and the adjustment for this cable is where the two pieces come together.

9.3.	Pull the black cover back to expose the natural colored lock. Unlock the lock by placing a flat head screwdriver underneath the lock ramp located at the top of the lock. The lock will pop up and the transmission end will move slightly away from the shifter end.

9.4.	Push the end of the transmission end cable inside the shifter end until the black spring on the transmission end is fully compressed. This will engage the inner wire and lock both wires together.

9.5.	Release the transmission end and allow the spring to tension/adjust the cable system.

9.6.	Pull back the black cover on the shifter end.

Caution:  Do not hold the transmission end during this operation. This will result in a misadjustment.

9.7.	Ensure both the shift control lever and the transmission range select levers are in the PARK position. Push the natural colored lock button down to engage the locking teeth on the transmission end.

9.8.	Release the black cover.

9.9.	Verify the black cover conceals the natural colored lock.

9.10.

Test the shift control lever in all positions for proper gear range selection. Be sure to press and release the shift knob button in Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive positions and make sure that the button travels freely and returns outward to its normal position.

9.11.

Can the key be removed from the ignition?

•	Yes -- Proceed to Step 11.

•	No -- Proceed to Step 10.

10. Remove the center console in order to get access to the shifter solenoid. Verify proper key lock/release function at the shifter solenoid.

10.1.

Make sure the shifter is in the PARK position.





10.2.

With the ignition OFF, verify the key lock switch function. Using a multimeter, check for continuity on the solenoid between terminal F (1) and terminal C (2). Is there continuity?

•	Yes -- Proceed to step 11.

•	No -- Replace the control assembly. Proceed to Step 11.

11. Contact one of the following engineers with the diagnostic information collected from this bulletin. If the engineer is not available, please leave a message including tech name, dealer name, dealer phone number, VIN and R.O. numbers. If the engineer does not return the call within one hour, fax front and back of the completed R.O. to 616-296-1423, Attn: GHSP.