Toyota Repair: Key will not come out of ignition, toyota camry, toyota dealer

Question
Hi Ted, I have a 1992 Toyota Camry LE. I have been having a problem with the key not coming out of the ignition when I shut the car off and place it in park. Sometimes it will come out and sometimes it will not. What I see taking place is that the key is not going all the way to the off position when the key will not come out. When it goes all the way over to the off position I can pull it out with no problems. When the key will not come out I usually have to end up disconnecting the battery in order to turn the key to the off position for it to come out. Would you be able to tell me what the issue may be and if I need to take the car in?

Thanks so much for your time.


Answer
Since the key can be turned to the off position when the battery is disconnected it seems that it's an electrical problem rather than a mechanical one, it could be caused by a malfunctioning shift interlock switch, it's located inside the shift console, this switch allows the key to be turned only with the shifter in park, replacing this switch is a little involved, I'd recommend having the toyota dealer diagnose it further.