Chrysler Repair: Ignition key locked, cant remove from lock cylinder, safety cable, lock cylinder

Question
After parking my car and trying to remove my keys from the ingintion of my 2001 Chrysler Seabring I found that no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get my keys out.

What could be wrong? Before getting the car towed I thought I'd try to get the info to figure this out myself.

Appreciate your help with this.

Steve C.

Answer
Hi Steve,
There is a safety cable interconnection between the key lock, the transmission shifter, and probably the brake pedal as well which is designed to keep you from starting the vehicle except in the park or neutral position of the shifter.  So I would try to gently move those three items simultaneously off of their current settings, no brute force, to see if you can release the hold. If not, then you will need to examine the shifter mechanism to find that cable interconnection to the steering column and make an adjustment in it length. There may also be a note about this sort of a jamb in your owner's manual with a possible workaround shown.

Roland