Hey I have a 1990 accord lx and recently the shifter light on the dash wont come on, its only the park light that takes a while to light up. Since it doesnt come on i cant get my keys out. Note it only happens when the weather gets colder, when the car is warmed up it doesnt pause as long. any help would be great thanks.

 

I guess I'd take the console apart around the shift lever, & look at the switch down there. Maybe it's loose or needs adjusting. Or maybe it's just old & broken...

 

Jim is correct. There is a selector position switch which not only drives the dash range indicator lamps, but also signals the TCM (Transmission Control Module) which gear range has been selected.
Part of the steering key interlock system takes it's signal from this switch when in the "Park" position.
What happens is the Assembly Lube Japanese suppliers use (I lovingly call it "Monkey Snot") gets hard and waxy as it ages; and it keeps the contacts in the switch from maintaining contact. Until it makes contact for the "Park" position; that Key isn't coming out.
Here's an illustration: (Refer #4)http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Accord&catcgr y2=1990&catcgry3=4DR+LX&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=SE LECT+LEVER

Hope this helps

P

 

Thanks for the info and the pic, what do you suggest i do to fix this?