Key stuck in ignition..., Please help.... Options

[mitch1911]

I have finally got my 97 ready to run with a new radiator and condenser, and when I connected the battery back up and went to start it, I got nothing. After a few attempts, it turned over and ran fine, but when I turned it off, the key would not come out of the ignition. After looking through other posts, I couldn't seem to find an answers. Some say it is the factory alarm, others say it is a grounding issue. The little red light stays lit with the key in the ignition. I am afraid by leaving the key in the "ON" position, this will just drain my battery. Any ideas are appreciated on where to start looking for issues. Thanks.

[mitch1911]

Late follow-up, but I figured I would post anyway in case a search came up later on. Took the Celica to the local dealer and they dis-assembled the shifter and found that the Shift Lock Plate was broken (part #33594-20050). Basically an $18 piece of plastic that tells the computer that the shifter is in Park, so the key will come out. They tried the shift lock selenoid, and the shift control module before settling on this small piece that was broken. It took them only 2 hours labor to dis-assemble and re-assemble the entire center console. So, the key now comes out and everything is A-OK.

Here's a quick pic....

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa202/m.../1272831125.jpg