a vehicle shifter having a cable actuator that is responsive to the ignition key steering lock mechanism of a vehicle and actuates a cable attached to and extending between the key mechanism and the shifter . a cam responsive to the shifting of the shifter &# 39 ; s handle is operatively connected to the cable actuator so that when the key is turned off , the cam locks the handle in &# 34 ; park &# 34 ; and when the ignition key is turned on , the cam can be pivoted by the handle to actuate the cable actuator which actuates the cable to prevent the ignition key from being withdrawn . preferably , the cable actuator is also a cam which is engaged and pivoted by the first - mentioned cam to actuate the cable .