'92 Trouble: Can Remove Key While In "drive"

[mhillerbrand]

My 1992 LS400 lets me remove the key from the ignition while in "Drive" (I stop the car, remove the key, and get out without thinking), which means that without the parking brake on, the car starts rolling! Does anyone know where this safety catch is located (in the ignition switch, gear shift or other)?? Thanks, Mike.

[larryp]

I believe the problem would probably be in the ignition switch. I had to remove a couple of pins from the ignition key cylinder when the key wouldn't turn. Now i can remove the key while the car is running. Maybe someone with a "fully functioning" ignition switch can test - i don't recall ever trying to remove the key with it in drive, but it makes sense that this wouldn't be allowed. Not sure what triggers the safety, but it's probably electrical and may be related to the neutral start safety switch. Sorry that's probably not much help.