Ok, first off, I'm realizing I can't remember anything these days. Even repairs I did a few years ago are hard to remember.

I sold my 442 today and yes, I already miss it. The new owner has an issue getting the car into Park - and releasing the key. At first, I couldn't recall what that could be, but after looking into it for him, I soon realized I had this same problem many years ago. I found my old forum here asking about this same issue years ago (yes, my memory is that bad).

I am trying to figure out how I fixed it back then because I can't remember the exact details. After some folks on the forum suggested a few things, I vaguely remember taking off the floor shifter **** and removing the center console, then adjusting some linkage (or cable?) that was in that area (floor shifter area)?

I do remember it was an easy fix, but I just can't remember what I adjusted in that area, and I recall it only taking 15-20 mins to fix it. It worked fine after that and I never had an issue with it going into Park until today when the new owner drove it home.

Does anyone know what I would have adjusted in that area below the floor shifter to get the car back into Park??? I'm trying to help the new owner figure it out.

 

Have the new owner grab the shift bowl ( the part of the column that would have the shifter if it was a column shift) and turn it counterclockwise. If the key will now turn back enough to remove it, either the backdrive needs adjustment, or more likely some of the plastic bushing are worn, not allowing the shift bowl to rotate enough by moving the shifter.

 

Matt has listed the most likely cause, but if that doesn't fix the problem, chances are the shift cable is worn internally and may need replacement.