On 27 Aug 2003 20:45:41 -0700, xix88@yahoo.com (Jony) wrote:

>Today I had such weird problem twice, I am wondering if anyone here
>can help before going to dealor.
>
>First time it happened after I stopped in a shopping plaza. I turned
>off the engine and tried to take the key out, but the key couldn't be
>removed. Then, I tried to turn on the engine again, the A/C runs,
>stero system works, but the engine just couldn't start. I tried to
>change shift from PARK to R or D positions, after several tries, the
>engine started and it ran as normal.
>
>It happened again when I stopped at the library. This time I couldn't
>take the key out or get the engine started. I left it for about 10
>mins while calling my friend for help. Before my friend came, I tried
>once again and it started!
>
>Then I drove home and this time I didn't have problem removing the
>key.
>
>Is this a battery problem? I had jumped my car twice half a year ago.
>
>Thanks!

It sounds like a shift console switch except that problem is usually
strongly associated with cold weather and cars of ~1990 vintage. When
you say you tried to shift P R D, did the shifter work normally? Does
the indicator light match the actual shifter position?