Car won't shut off

[cravet]

I have a 1996 Olds Achieva. Low mileage car in excellent condition throughout.

Couple of weeks ago had trouble getting ignition key out of switch. Now has progressed to where engine will shut off, but cannot get key to that position that shuts off lights and other electronics. UNLESS, I wait about an hr and then return to the car at which time the switch will go into the everything off position. My mechanic has replaced the ignition lock assemble (Part # 26046937) and that repair worked for about 2 days. Took it back and he also replaced ignition switch 0part number US257

which lasted about another 2 days. Now I am back to square one. Also tried my spare key - no difference.

Can anybody help??

[Shop Rat]

We have a 1994 Ford Taurus station wagon and a few months ago we started having trouble getting the ignition key out. Or the warning bell would start dinging like the key was still in the ignition but it isn't. We figured out that the outer area where the key goes in, new cars have an added area of plastic, was not moving back into the correct position. If we can't get the key out we just hold the key with one hand then reach around and turn the plastic part into the correct position and the key comes out. If the key does come out but the warning bell is dinging we just turn the plastic part into position and it stops.

This car is our driver/beater so we don't plan on fixing it until it totally fails. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Albert]

some of the gm's the ignition switch is at the bottom of the colume and the switch is on a rack and pinion type system, if the gear on the back of the switch is miss timed with the rack or a broken tooth on the rack it will not keep in time between the key (lock portion) and the switch mounted below. and once miss timed the electrical switch will not allow the key to be turned back far enought to release the key from the lock.

[cravet]

Thanks very much for taking time to post your helpful reply.

I'll take a look.

[cravet]

Thanks for the very helpful information. Your are probably right and I plan on taking the car into a GM dealership who should be able to make that type of repair.