Ignition Thumb Release

[BonesDT]

What years/models came with the ignition key release button?

My '99 Auto did not. This '98 Manual does.

 

[my98nnj]

All manual transmission vehicles have it.
Not sure why thou.......

 

[gijoecam]

Correct. It's not by year, it's by transmission. Manuals have it, autos don't. I forget why...

 

[BonesDT]

OK, cool, thanks. I did an auto to manual swap years ago and one piece I've always had trouble finding was the upper steering column shroud without the huge hole in it for the auto shifter. Now I'm noticing it will have another hole, but at least it's smaller. Maybe I can mount my NOS button there.

Why did so many cars have this key release button? I tried doing a google search, but couldn't find it. Is it just manual trans for all cars too. I'm sure it's some safety issue, but I can't see what's safe about making it harder to exit your car.