When i shut down the ignition the key won''t return to the position to allow me to remove it.

This could be an ignition key placement problem! Most cars get worn out with the key start. I have replaced the "switch" with the keys on numerous cars. They have tumblers like all locks, when these become worn or loose their place, they will not allow the function to work properly. It is not in the correct place to allow the key to come out. Some try to keep the car in the starting position etc. Other's will not turn the car completely off, and you will draw down the battery. Check this out with either a dealer or take it to Auto-zone/Napa etc. They sell this replacement key switch.

use a lube designed for ignition locks.NAPA!

Ignition - Key Stuck In Ignition Switch/Won't Turn Bulletin No.: 06-02-35-005 Date: February 28, 2006 TECHNICAL Subject: Key Stuck in Ignition, Key Will Not Return to Off Position, Shifter Button Won't Release in Park Position (Adjust Shifter Detent Finger) Models: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Condition Customers may comment on any of the following conditions: - The key is stuck in the ignition cylinder. - They cannot return the key to the off position to remove the key. - The shifter button won't release in the park position. Cause This condition may be caused by the detent finger shifting over time. This may result in mis-alignment and binding of the shift rod on the shift position guide.
WHERE YOUR SHIFTER IS YOU WILL HAVE TO TAKE IT APART ..MAYBE THE RUBBER BOOT IS IT THE WAY,OR THE SHIFT LOCK SELINOID WHENT BAD

Before you do that. Try moving the shifter a few times from drive back to park. Sometimes these switches with the transmission won't allow you to return the cylinder to the complete neutral position if the park switch doesn't engage.

1995. Dodge dakota, 5.2 okay this is safe to say it has no alarm.For this year make and model there is a relay called ASD. The ASD supplies power to fuel pump the injector and power to ignition system now if it get shorted out it shut down and the no fire no pump situation.There is no fuse that blown if there was the fire on coil would not occur at all even during start up.Two things are happening the ignition switch is loosing contact,or the crank sensor due to the position it is at,it looses the ability to send a proper signal.. Now there is something about the first key try. Crank it and hold the ignition in the start area and dont just release it that quickly allow it to easily return your going to have hold slowly see if this solves it.If this doesnt solve it go to the crank sensor,here is where it is at its behind the cylinder head,on one of the 2 either passenger or driver side.make sure it is making good contact. Is it loose wiggle it if you have to gently though. If neither one of these 2 method get you know result your best solution will be to hot wire the vehicle and help trouble shoot it but dont leave this as a final repair it is just a troubleshooting tip not a repair okay. Get a long enough wire with a fuse inline with it attatch is a thin metal probe like a straightened out paper clip.(dont allow the paper clip probe to touch ground and if it does the inline fuse of this tool wont work unless you replace the fuse) youll have to find the coil there are two wires attatch to the coil one is dark green orange that do not disturb DRK GREEN -ORANGE is from the ECM do not probe it, The other is GREY that is from battery power the GREY is what you probe once it is probe wheather the key is on or off it turns on the ignition this test allows the testing of the ignition switch to maintain contact.Its rathere safer if you use a voltmeter

The ignition key cylinder in a Buick unlocks the ignition and allows the Buick's engine to start. The cylinder contains a switch on the end of it (inside the cylinder) that sends an electric signal to the starter motor. When the ignition key cylinder fails, the Buick won't start. When this happens, you'll need a new ignition cylinder. Purchase replacement cylinders from Buick.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:

• Ignition key
• Punch pin
• Cross-point screwdriver

1. 1 Remove the screws on the bottom of the steering column on your Buick. These screws hold the steering column cover on. You may need to tilt the steering wheel to its highest position to access these screws.
   
2. 2 Turn the ignition key to the "II" position in the ignition cylinder.
   
3. 3 Slide the punch pin into the access slot on the bottom of the ignition cylinder.
   
4. 4 Push the pin all the way into the access slot while you pull the ignition cylinder out of the steering column.
   
5. 5 Insert the new ignition cylinder into the steering column with the key in the "II" position on the cylinder.
   
6. 6 Push the cylinder into the column until it "clicks," indicating that it is locked into the column.
   
7. 7 Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position.
   

Check and make sure the ignition switch is not worn out and allowing you to remove the key when the switch is turned backwards in teh accessory position. once the key is removed and the radio is staying on, turn the ignition without the key in it, both directions and see if it shuts off, if it does, menas work cylinder or key.

Had same problem - was the ignition switch inside the column - the switch part - not the key and tumblers - total pain with out a ton of tools and patience - part was 60$ from autozone

Is the battery dead or disconnected? I've had that problem in another Chevy. With battery disconnected it would not return to the off position and allow me to remove the key.

Good luck!

If I understand, the key will not rotate to all of the normal positions? If this is true, then I would guess that the trani didn't fully return to the park position please verify, You can check the ignition switch(the one that is half way down the steering column) for defects. Is there any binding, does the rotate freely? Thank you; good luck.