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Ignition Lock Cylinder - Key Difficult To Remove

NO: 21-12-95

GROUP: Transmission

DATE: Jul. 28, 1995

SUBJECT:
Ignition Key Difficult
To Remove

MODELS:
1995 (PL) Neon

NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO MAY 2 (MDH 05-02-XX), EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

Ignition switch is difficult to rotate to the LOCK position to allow easy removal of the ignition key.

DIAGNOSIS:

If the vehicle is equipped with a tilt steering column, place the column in the full down position. Rotate the ignition switch to the OFF position and place the gearshift lever in the DRIVE position. Depress the gearshift lever knob pushbutton and move the gearshift lever to the PARK position. Slowly release the pushbutton. Attempt to rotate the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key. Proceed to the repair procedure if the lock cylinder is difficult to rotate to the LOCK position.

REPAIR PROCEDURE:

This bulletin involves performing a revised interlock cable adjustment.

1. Remove the floor console as outlined in the 1995 Neon Service Manual (Publication No. 81-270-5025), Page 23-20.





2. Pull or pry up the interlock cable adjustor to unlock it. See Illustration.

3. With the ignition switch in the OFF position, confirm free movement and spring loaded return of the interlock cable core.

4. Rotate the ignition switch to the LOCK position. It will be necessary to pull the interlock cable core from the shifter end to allow the key cylinder to move to the LOCK position.

5. With the gearshift lever in the PARK position, place a .040" (1 mm) shim between the larger diameter portion of the shifter gate pin and the plastic cam, then push the interlock cable adjustor down to lock the adjustment. Remove the shim. See Illustration.

6. Confirm key removal, with the steering column in the full down position, if the vehicle is equipped with a tilt column, by rotating the ignition switch to the OFF position and place the gearshift lever in the DRIVE position. Depress the gearshift lever knob pushbutton and move the gearshift lever to the PARK position. Slowly release the pushbutton. Attempt to rotate the ignition switch to the LOCK position and remove the key. If key removal is still difficult, another condition may exist with the lock cylinder or ignition switch, which will not be covered in this bulletin.

7. Install the floor console back in the vehicle.

POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:
Labor Operation No: 21-75-27-92 0.4 Hrs.

FAILURE CODE: XX - Service Adjustment