Hey all,

I just bought a used 04 3.5RL. I have had 2 problems arise: it does not shift into over-drive, and the key keeps getting stuck in the ignition after i turn off the vehicle (i'm thinking its an ignition lock cylinder problem).

Has anyone else encountered this and/or does anyone have any advice please!?

Thanks!!!

Tim

 

If i might add i only have 69k on the car

 

The car doesn't actually have an over drive unless I'm not understanding what your asking. And when you turn off the car push the keys forward a bit as you turn the final notch. It kind of has a lock right there and thats how you get past it.

 

So it's normal for my car to be at 3000 RPM going 70 miles per hour?

And I do push the key forward a little bit however the only way it will come out is if I wiggle it around a little bit and turn it counterclockwise.

 

Yea, I think that is normal because it has only 4 gears. At 2500rpm I'm going around 60~65mph. Unless you lift your foot of the gas pedal I think it will change to different gear and RPM.

 

Okie doke thanks!

 

BTW, I still don't understand why you said it couldnt go into overdrive? You mean the cruse control?

 

4th gear is overdrive though it's not terribly aggressive. Remember premium gas was about $1.20 when the car was designed and sold. The RL will STAY in 4th gear even on mountain passes, so it has plenty of torque on the highway.

 

No, I thought because the car was at a high rpm at 70 mph that it wasn't shifting into the last gear.

 

Nope its just an old 4 speed tranny, but id take the 4 speed over the shitty brittle 5 speed they stuck in the TL, Accord etc any day

 

hmmmm i always thought 02-04 had the 5speed autos....

 

I drive an 02 and can confirm its a 4 speed thankfully.

 

No they all had the 4 speed auto. Mine is at 3k @ 80mph