1997 won't go into park and I can't get the key out
starts in neutral
all linkage seems ok
What do I look for?

 

Nobody ?

 

Your pawl is not engaging in the transmission. Is this the first time you have had this happen? If it worked alright before, did you notice the truck was still able to move a little after you put into park, If so the pawl may be worn out. See if the truck will move a little, and then try to put it into park. Do this at home, as it may stick in park then. If it does you may have to roll the truck back and forth a little to get it to disengage

 

All so check your linkage pivot points. My neighbor had a 98, that was doing that, and had nylon bushings that had worn out. That took care of his problem

 

will look

thanks

 

Another thing to check would be your u-joints. Anything that would let the drive shaft move the main shaft in the trans, on which the locking ring is on, will not let the pawl drop in place. Everything needs to be straight and in line for the pawl to engage. A little play is alright, but to much will throw the notches and the pawl out of line

 

thanks for the replies

rechecked the linkage and found a rock chip lodged in the linkage / removed it and it seems ok

thanks again