OK, I have this 89 coupe backed into the woods, the trans is in P and the ignition key is broken off in the lock. How do I get this thing into neutral so I can move it?

 

There's no interlock between the shift and the steering column lock so the broken key isn't the problem. It'll be a problem when you need to steer the car, though

Is the car on a slope so that the weight of the car is being held by the transmission...thus jamming the gearshift in "P"? If so you may have to enlist some help to rock the car while you work the gearshift

Or....

Perhaps the shift cable has seized? In that case you'll have to get under the car to release the cable from the trans and then operate the linkage at the trans with your hand. Be careful !

Others will chime in

Cheers
DD

 

Doug,

I don't have as much knowledge about the pre-facelift cars, but is there really no interlock switch on those boxes to prevent the selector just moving moved to any position? All the later cars have interlock switches which are accessible by removing the ski slope.

Paul

 

No, Paul, on the GM 400 as fitted to pre facelift cars there is not. There is a physical notch between drive and neutral, so you cannot push it from drive into neutral without moving the lever sideways, but nothing else.
Greg

 

Did this just go into the woods or has it been there for years? If it just happened then they are correct that it stuck on the parking pin. If it's been in there for years then the brakes could be siezed, so on and so on

 

Sorry about my lack of a quick response. Thanks for all the info. I would like to expand on this subject. This car has been sitting for awhile, mileage is 140xxx mol, I would like to pick the opinions of the experts on this forum. The deal is this car has been sitting outside for some time, it has someones TWR body kit with front and rear bumper covers, side skirts and the rear spoiler, the body is straight with few dents, the interior looks good, seats, headliner, door panels and such. The bad is when sitting in the drivers seat you can see the ground underneath. What do youall think? Go or no go.

Thanks.

 

Forget it. Under the fibreglass body kit there will be nothing except rot and holes.
Greg

 

Run away, run away swiftly.

 

1989 was a plentiful production year for the XJS and good cars are easy to find and cheap (in the US). Don't waste your money on a rusty car. I'm sure a quick scan of your local Craigslist will result in a much better example.

The car you found might make a good parts car. If you need the parts then buy if for a few hundred dollars...no more.

Mark

 

If you can buy it cheap enough strip the body kit and toss the rest, or keep it for a parts car until you've sorted a different car. Then part it out and scape what's left

 

Run Forrest run!

 

I was just going to say that. Lol