Thread: Key is stuck in Ignition - Why did I try and clean the car??

Let me give you a little background first. I had taken my ignition switch out to clean the metal contact that had carbon on them as my blower fan and drl were not working and my key was getting stuck in the ignition. I fixed the problems above, however I then decided to dismantle my center console and clean it. I took the handle off of the shifter and everything. My only problem now is that the key is again stuck in the ignition.

I have been fortunate enough to get it out twice now by putting the key into start (but not turning the engine), pressing on the brake, then shifting from park to 3rd all the way back to park.

Could my problem be from the shifter itself? It seems like it is not recognizing the car is in park and will not release the key then. Any suggestions?

Like I stated earlier I had the key problem before I fixed the ignition switch and occasionally it would come out if I had parked on a little angle, like the front end being slightly higher than the rear. Does this sound logical?

Thanks.

I couldn't find the solenoid. There is a wiring harness near the shifter. Do I need to remove the bolts that hold the shifter to the floor?