Nissan Repair: 1990 300zx shifter and key, wrecking yard, emergency button

Question
i was recently in an accident and the key got stuck in the ignition. i pulled the black piece off from around the key and hit the red emergency button. this released the key but if i put it back in it locks it in again. can this be stopped? also, the car was broken into and they must of moved the shifter down to get access to my radio, now it wont go back into park. i tried using the shift release button, but it wouldn't move. the thief ripped out my stereo and i figure that might have caused the key problem. but the car shifter was fine after the accident(this car is automatic non turbo).

Answer
Dylan,

Sounds like the broke the shift interlock.  You will need to remove the console cover to get access to the locking mechanism.  A wrecking yard is a good place for replacement parts for this.  The ignition sounds like it is worn out and sticking.  A cheap way to go is to replace the colunm with a wrecking yard unit.  But, you can purchase a new cylinder and replace yours.  Since you said the key problem started after an accident and not after the theft I say the two are not related.  If the shifter and key thing started after the break in then I would say the shift interlock was the problem with the key and if this is the case, after you replace the shift interlock, the key should work fine.  Let me know if I have answered the question or give me a follow up and we'll discuss some more.