My dad's got an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5500 cl3. On the last outing, it had problems. After he casts, the spool release button wont come back up, and it wont let him reel, he has to pull the button up. Does anyone know what might be the problem? Thanks in advance.

Not sure if Dad has a schematic for it or not. If he doesn't, here's one that's on-line.

http://www.southwesternparts.com/code/viewschematics.php3

Why not ask Reel Mechanic?  If he doesn't have the answer, I do not know who would.

Garcia 5500CL3 schematic..

After he casts, the spool release button wont come back up, and it wont let him reel, he has to pull the button up.

A couple three things could have happened. Depending on the run number on the reel foot uderside. The reel has a return spring at the release arm for the pinion yoke. It could have broke. The release arm could be jumping up under the reachet return plate and binding until the button is pulled back out. The pinion yoke pressure plate has a small return spring in it could have failed.

IMPO Needs serviced do not use it again until you do.

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!