Expert: Sean Halliday - 12/8/2006

Question
They fixed the lock and it worked for about a half a day before it started getting stuck again.  They have looked at the cable shifter and it appears fine. I am taking it in yet again tomorrow and am leaving it there till it is fixed.  THey are giving a loaner for the time being.  THey also figured it wasn't the shifter because I can still turn the key forward.  Unfortunately it doesn't seem to stick when I take it in so they haven't actually experienced what I've been having happen daily!  Any futher options you can think of?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
hi Sean, I recently purchased an 06 Sebring am having issues with my key getting stuck in the ignition.  When i have shut the car off and go to turn the key back to it's neutral position, it won't come all the way back.  It stops in the first position forward from the neutral key position.  I can restart the car/turn the key forwards but it will not let me return it back to the neutral position to shut it off.  It is an intermittant problem and VERY frustrating.  Also when it does get stuck if I leave it alone for say 15-20 minutes and come back it will release back to neutral.  I have taken it to the dealership twice regarding this matter.  The first time they replaced the ignition cylinder and the second time they inspected everything they could think of to find the problem.  Any thoughts as to what this could be.  i have only had the car 9 days and am very frustrated by it.  Everything else has been fine!
-----Answer-----
Possibly the cable/shifter isnt releasing.If you have warranty i suggest you make them fix it.Did it work ok after they replaced the lock?

Answer
Options yes.Personally i wouldnt touch this car ,to buy that is, but thats your choice.It isnt the best and thats not my opinion alone.So back to your key problem.Something in the steering/lock mechanism isnt right and this is dangerous as the wheel can lock while the key is in it.I am not guessing as i have seen this happen.Make sure this is fixed before you pick up the car again and dont let them fob you off with "cant find it"........either fix it or replace the car.I assume they looked at the brake pedal as well.The step on the brake and shift.All of the lock /shift on most new cars are combined this way and what a mess some of them can be.