Ignition Key Inhibit

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the ignition key cylinder inhibit feature prevents the ignition lock cylinder from being rotated to the OFF position when the vehicle is not in PARK.

Battery voltage is supplied to the inhibit solenoid within the ignition switch. A switch within the selector lever (floor shifter) controls the ground side of the inhibit solenoid. When the selector lever is in PARK, the switch is open, allowing the ignition lock cylinder to rotate through all its positions. When the selector lever is moved out of PARK, the switch closes and the ignition key inhibit solenoid energizes to prevent the ignition lock cylinder and ignition switch from rotating to the OFF position. This also prevents the key from being removed from the ignition lock cylinder.