# 2003 buick regal **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** keys, ignition\ **Created:** [August 13, 2008, 3:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099 "2008-08-13T03:03:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![2003regal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2003regal/32/926_2.png) [@2003regal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2003regal)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 3:03am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/1 "2008-08-13T03:03:17Z")
When I put my 2003 regal into park and turn off the key the key only comes back part way and I can’t get the key out without repeating the shut off sequence numerous times. The key won’t turn to the “off” position. I sprayed lubricant into the lock and it didn’t help. Is there something in the shifter that isn’t seating in the park position? ---
**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 6:13pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/2 "2008-08-13T18:13:44Z")
I hope the lube you put in the key cylinder was dry graphite as anything else will just gum it up even more. Has there ever been a part of a key lost in the cylinder or has the cylinder been tampered with (as in an attempted theft)? ---
**Author:** ![Triedaq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Triedaq](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Triedaq)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2008, 6:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/3 "2008-08-13T18:58:44Z")
I had the same problem with my 1978 Oldsmobile. In my case, there is a rod from the floor shifter to the ignition lock that won’t let the key release unless the shifter is in Park. A simple adjustment solved the problem. This may be what is happening in your case. ---
**Author:** ![2003regal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2003regal/32/926_2.png) [@2003regal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2003regal)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/4 "2008-08-14T23:07:10Z")
I bought a graphite lock lube from an automotive parts house that sprays in wet and then dries. I was assured it wouldn’t gum up the cylinder. To my knowledge the cylinder has never been tampered with or part of a key lost. ---
**Author:** ![2003regal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2003regal/32/926_2.png) [@2003regal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2003regal)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/5 "2008-08-14T23:08:27Z")
I thought that an adjustment might be needed but I can’t find where to make the adjustment. Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![2003regal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2003regal/32/926_2.png) [@2003regal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2003regal)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:12pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/6 "2008-08-14T23:12:02Z")
Does anyone know where to make the adjustment on my Regal? ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 1:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/7 "2008-08-15T01:52:28Z")
Buy a Haynes manual for your car. It might show it. I’m on the road and don’t have access to my Haynes manuals. If you are willing to wait, I could post a reply by Saturday. That doesn’t guarantee that Haynes has the information, but I will look if you ask me to. ---
**Author:** ![2003regal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2003regal/32/926_2.png) [@2003regal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2003regal)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2008, 2:41am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/8 "2008-08-17T02:41:31Z")
I will try to find a Haynes manual and would appreciate it if you would look in your manuaul. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2008, 3:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/9 "2008-08-17T15:32:50Z")
I look at a Haynes manual. I don’t see anything in the troubleshooting section, transaxle section, or electrical section that seems to address this issue. ---
**Author:** ![2003regal](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/2003regal/32/926_2.png) [@2003regal](https://community.cartalk.com/u/2003regal)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2008, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/10 "2008-08-20T21:59:40Z")
Thanks to all who gave input to my problem. I wound up taking the car in to the dealer and they replaced the $303.00 shift control assembly. Apparently the switch, that is part of this assembly, that sends a signal to tell the ignition system when the shifter is in park failed and the switch can’t be purchased separately. Add on labor and tax and for $477 I can now get the key to the off postion. ---
**Author:** ![glennnorth60](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/977dab/32.png) [@glennnorth60](https://community.cartalk.com/u/glennnorth60)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2008, 3:22pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2003-buick-regal/18099/11 "2008-08-28T15:22:02Z")
I found this page helpfull but i just sprayed some wd40 then sewing machine oil on the slot at the bottom of the shifter handle under the consel which loosens the switching mechenisim. It’s fixed. Thank you