So I have tried several "tricks" over the years: slamming the shifter forward, nudging the shifter forward, sprayed silicone in the trigger button to lube the cable, added a spring where the cable attaches at the base. After having to manually push cable that last 1/8" while removing the key I opened up the console. I found the solenoid that was failing to perform the final push. After researching and seeing you can't replace just the solenoid, I removed it and on a whim sprayed lithium lubricant on the shaft an into the solenoid. I exercised the shaft to work the grease in the solenoid. Will it cause a fire? I don't know...while still expose I turned the car on and put it through the motions. It got very hot...so I shut it down. The next day I put everything back together as originally designed..no cheater spring. Voila! Key comes out. And no fires yet.
Next step will be to grab a solenoid at the junk yard.
Next step will be to grab a solenoid at the junk yard.
