2001 4R Can't Get Key Out

Sometimes, most of the time, I cannot get the ign key out, as I cannot rotate the key 1 more position CCW, and then get the key out. I suspect the issue has to do with the transmission linkage, as the linkage is fairly loose, as I can move the floor shifter nearly an inch forward and back, before the trans shifts. A bushing somewhere ? I think what's happening is that the linkage is so loose, the ign switch doesn't know it's in Park, but thinks it's still in Reverse, so it won't allow me to turn the key one more position CCW, to get the key out. Does this sound reasonavble, and, is this something I might fix myself ?

 

I believe there is a hole in the shifter base that you can poke a wire into to unlock the ignition from the shifter, for this very problem where you can't put the shifter into park. If this frees up the key when you have this issue, then yeah, I think it's your shifter bushings. If not, I'd suspect the ignition switch.

 

I had the same symptoms, got a key cut by the dealer, works like brand new.

 

Hmmmm.so the dealer key may be the trick.
I tried that hooded-cover (about 1/4" x 1/4") thingy just to the L of P(ark) and the cover popped off, so I left it off. Then I moved that white plastic thing forward and backwards, which didn't seem to do anything. The car DOES go into Park, but I figured because of the key issue, and the shifter linkage being so loose, maybe the Ign Switch doesn't think it went into Park. What does that hooded thing do ? Is it an electronic switch ?
There is another possibility AFAIK, which is that the steering wheel must lock too, which means sometimes the wheel has to be rotated one way or another, to get it to lock, and then to get the key to turn all the way CCW, to then get the key out.
All this complication is why it doesn't work anymore. I have a 65 Ford and the key still comes out.
I don't have to have my foot on the brake to get the key to turn all the way off do I ?
How much is a dealer cut key ?

 

Dealer cut key is like $20? They should be able to cut one from your vin provided you show them some form of ownership. These keys have no chip in them so they are dirt cheap.

 

I think its like $150 now?

 

Yeesh. Back in the day the local dealer just tossed us one for free after a basic oil change service

 

Wait the dealer wants $13.99 to copy a key and $35.99 to cut a key from VIN. I thought it was more it has been a few years since I wore mine out.

 

I’d go with the shifter 1st, a little time tinkering with it is free. The key being worn down can be the culprit as well, but I’d hate to spend the $ for a key and then find out it was the free/cheaper fix that was the prob.