Mazda Repair: Mazda shift Lock repair, castrol super clean, 1996 mazda 626

Question
I have a 1996 mazda 626 with an automatic shifter on the floor. it has a key-lock (security) that locks the shifter. It sticks often and I have to put the ignition key in and turn (play with it) to get it to unlock the shifter.
Any easy fix?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
That would be something that could be taken care of by having a local shop remove the lock detent solenoid from the shifter assembly. I usually find that this feature can be fixed by removing the consol and all the switches and solenoids and cleaning and replacing as necessary. I have had a few 1996-97 Protégé that have done this and the problem was found to be coffee and soda that had been spilled in the shifter over the years had finally gummed up everything enough to make it very unhappy.

Use your repair manual to remove the consol and the front seats from the car. Then
Use a combination of a wet/dry vac, Castrol Super Clean, and a garden hose to clean the crud out of the shifter components.  Use a whole heap of old bath towels to keep the mess down and then spray down the shifter mechanism with a good shot of WD40, be sure to get some in the lock mechanism and tumbler where you insert the key to manually unlock it. Do not spray anything in the ignition switch.  

Leave the consol off and the seats out and while sitting on a few folded towels see if the problem has solved itself. If not, you made a valiant effort and the problem is going to need to be addressed by a repair shop. Install the driver’s seat only and leave the consol off. This will make it easier on them to work on and save you a little cash as you will be able to reinstall the passengers seat and the consol yourself once you get it back.

It is also a dynamite time to get one of those Bissell Little Greens that are on sale at Mall Wart and give the inside a good cleaning. I do not use the carpet cleaner they provide and instead use hot water and a half a capful of Tide with bleach and go to town. It works very well and will make you feel so much better when you are driving. It is surprising how much more you will enjoy the car as well.

Regards

John