Thread: Key Removal Solenoid

Well I have a write up on how to replace the ignition solenoid and I 'believe' it goes into some of this. I plan on putting it up in the how to section when we get that going, but I could email it to you in the mean time if you would PM me your email address.

Replace? I can tell you how to remove it at least. LOL! Actually, mine is out until I get a chance to get by our local pick-n-pull and scavenge a replacement. I couldn't deal with the pen trick any longer, so for now I just double check it's in park.

There is a small hole in the plastic cover on the bottom of the column just below and a bit further back than the ignition. This hole is directly below the park lock solenoid which is what usually goes bad and prevents you from turning the key all the way off. There is a button on the bottom of the solenoid that you can push (ink pen works dandy) through this hole to manually release the solenoid and turn the key all the way off and remove it. Just a P.I.T.A. to do this everytime you get out of the car.

If you want to just remove the solenoid like I did, just tilt the column all the way up. Remove the lower plastic cover which is held in place with just a couple Torx screws. You will have to remove the handle on the tilt lever to get the cover off. It just pops off by pulling or prying straight out. Now, with the cover off, look just behind the ignition switch and you will see a white (at least mine was white) cylindrical shaped part with one plug on it. That is the park lock solenoid. Unplug it and remove. It is held in place with one tiny little hex head screw that is sandwiched in between the solenoid and the ignition and is pretty hard to get to. Not to mention, I didn't have a socket small enough to fit it (4mm was still way too big). I used a small pair of needlenose visegrips and got the screw out. Toss solenoid in nearest trashcan, but save the screw if you plan on replacing it. I just put the screw back in it's hole for the time being. Now, be careful from now on because you can now remove the key regardless of where your shifter position is. Double check you are all the way in park everytime you turn the car off until you get a replacement solenoid. I wouldn't suggest leaving it out permanently, one time is all it takes for your car to roll away.

Originally Posted by Abrasive

There is a small hole in the plastic cover on the bottom of the column just below and a bit further back than the ignition. This hole is directly below the park lock solenoid which is what usually goes bad and prevents you from turning the key all the way off. There is a button on the bottom of the solenoid that you can push (ink pen works dandy) through this hole to manually release the solenoid and turn the key all the way off and remove it. Just a P.I.T.A. to do this everytime you get out of the car.

If you want to just remove the solenoid like I did, just tilt the column all the way up. Remove the lower plastic cover which is held in place with just a couple Torx screws. You will have to remove the handle on the tilt lever to get the cover off. It just pops off by pulling or prying straight out. Now, with the cover off, look just behind the ignition switch and you will see a white (at least mine was white) cylindrical shaped part with one plug on it. That is the park lock solenoid. Unplug it and remove. It is held in place with one tiny little hex head screw that is sandwiched in between the solenoid and the ignition and is pretty hard to get to. Not to mention, I didn't have a socket small enough to fit it (4mm was still way too big). I used a small pair of needlenose visegrips and got the screw out. Toss solenoid in nearest trashcan, but save the screw if you plan on replacing it. I just put the screw back in it's hole for the time being. Now, be careful from now on because you can now remove the key regardless of where your shifter position is. Double check you are all the way in park everytime you turn the car off until you get a replacement solenoid. I wouldn't suggest leaving it out permanently, one time is all it takes for your car to roll away.

Aren't you quite the useful one to have around...

For reference, here's is what the park lock solenoid looks like. Mine never made it to the trashcan.

both of my cars have had this removed for a year now, no issues. i will not have that issue again.

I simply removed mine. Try to tell anyone who borrows my car to make sure it is in park when they remove the key. A friend just used a small zip tie to hold the button in on his.

Top cover stays, a few screws under steering wheel. Pull straight out (to left if sitting in drivers seat) on the tilt lever.