DIFFICULTY REMOVING IGN. KEY HARD SHIFT TO PARK

SUBJECT: DIFFICULTY REMOVING IGNITION KEY/HARD SHIFT TO PARK (INSPECT PARTS/ADJUST LINKAGE)

VEHICLES AFFECTED: 1987-90 'C' MODELS

CONDITION

Some 1987 through 1990 model Ninety-Eight Touring Sedans may exhibit one of the following conditions:

- Difficult removal of the ignition key with the shifter in "PARK" position.

- High effort required to shift into "PARK".

CAUSE

The above conditions may be caused by an incorrect shift control cable bracket and/or transaxle shift lever installed on the vehicle, or by incorrect adjustment of the shift control cable or park lock cable.

CORRECTION

Inspect the transmission shift lever and shift control cable bracket to insure correct parts were installed as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

1. If either the transaxle shift lever or cable bracket is incorrect, install the correct part or parts and proceed to the adjustment procedure below.

Correct Part Numbers: - Transaxle Shift Lever P/N 1636468 - Shift Control Cable Bracket P/N 25527503

2. If the correct parts were installed, proceed to the adjustment procedure below.

SHIFT CONTROL CABLE AND PARK LOCK

A. Adjust the shift control cable using the following procedure:

1. Release the shift control cable adjuster locking tab and place the transaxle shift lever in "NEUTRAL". "NEUTRAL" can be found by rotating the selector shaft clockwise from "PARK" through "REVERSE" to "NEUTRAL".

2. Place the shift control assembly in "NEUTRAL".

3. Push the locking tab on the cable adjuster to lock the cable in place.

B. Check for proper functional operation of the shifter and ignition lock mechanism as follows:

1. With the shift lever in "PARK" and the key in "LOCK" position, make sure you cannot move the shift lever to another position. The ignition key should be removable from the ignition lock cylinder.

2. With the key in "RUN" and the shift lever in "NEUTRAL", make sure that you cannot turn the key to "LOCK"

3. If the above conditions are met, the system is properly adjusted. If not proceed to step 4.

4. If the above conditions are not met, release the park lock cable connector lock button. Readjust the park lock cable by pushing the cable connector nose forward to remove slack and push the connector lock button down. Then recheck the operation of the system.

5. If the key cannot be removed in "PARK" position, release the park lock cable connector lock button and move the cable connector nose rearward until the key can be removed from the ignition lock cylinder. Then push the connector lock button down.

6. Recheck the shifter and lock system for proper operation.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.