Argh, keys wont come out of ignition!

[ScottyDsntKno]

Keys are stuck in the ignition. Yes the car is in park lol. I can still lock it when I go places since I have the keypad but I don't want to be leaving the keys in the car all the time. I'll have to until I fix it but what could be causing it?

Is there some kind of sensor or solenoid that senses the car is in park and releases the key? If so is there a way to disable it or what? If not where can I get a replacement whatever it is that fixes this problem and how much do they usually run?

And to think I had finally gotten to the point where I could just drive it...

 

[SHOBlu]

Sounds like your lock cylinder is going or has gone bad. When they go bad, the bezel rotates without the key and if the key is in the cylinder it will sometimes get stuck. You have to make sure the bezel is aligned with tumbler and the key will come out. Just keep working it, it will come out. Either that, remove the entire lock cylinder.

 

[CerberuS]

Lock cylinder seems to be fooling you.

Changed mine @ Ford's 40 bucks (they got that in stock) . Its feel like a new car when you slam the key in...

 

[ScottyDsntKno]

hmmm, well how hard is it to remove and replace? I guess I just pull the trim off the steering column and it comes right out? I messed with it for a good 15 min and it would nto come out. I'm just going to detach the key ring for now so it is hard to see and just leave it like that until I get it figured out.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Sounds like your lock cylinder is going or has gone bad. When they go bad, the bezel rotates without the key and if the key is in the cylinder it will sometimes get stuck. You have to make sure the bezel is aligned with tumbler and the key will come out. Just keep working it, it will come out. Either that, remove the entire lock cylinder.

This is your answer right here.

If you still can't get the key out, you can remove the entire cylinder for which you do not have to remove any of the column trim, you just put the key in the 'run' position, use an awl or small screwdriver to push in the lock pin from the bottom, and out comes the cylinder.

A replacement cylinder last time I did one was about $12 at AutoZone, and then $15 for a locksmith to re-key back to my original key so it would stay one key for the doors and ignition.

 

[Mr95Gl]

hmmm, well how hard is it to remove and replace? I guess I just pull the trim off the steering column and it comes right out? I messed with it for a good 15 min and it would nto come out. I'm just going to detach the key ring for now so it is hard to see and just leave it like that until I get it figured out.

That's happen to me several times since I've owned the car. I usually just restart the car, put the car in gear, then back into park, and turn the wheel a few turns, then straighten it. Afterwards the key just comes out. It happens once in a blue moon though. But its definately time for a replacement.

 

[ScottyDsntKno]

This is your answer right here.

If you still can't get the key out, you can remove the entire cylinder for which you do not have to remove any of the column trim, you just put the key in the 'run' position, use an awl or small screwdriver to push in the lock pin from the bottom, and out comes the cylinder.

A replacement cylinder last time I did one was about $12 at AutoZone, and then $15 for a locksmith to re-key back to my original key so it would stay one key for the doors and ignition.

Good deal I'll give that a shot. Where exactly is this lock pin at? I have no clue about stuff on these cars that I have not worked on yet.

 

[frosho]

have you tried turning the wheel while fiddling with the key?

 

[ScottyDsntKno]

Ok well I am either not seeing something blatantly obvious or doing something wrong.

I pulled the bottom piece of column trim off and I still can't get the damn key or lock cylinder out. I tried pushing in that metal button looking thing but it didn't budge. Wth am I not doing? I'd like to be able to get my key out of the ignition sometime soon.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Ok well I am either not seeing something blatantly obvious or doing something wrong.

I pulled the bottom piece of column trim off and I still can't get the damn key or lock cylinder out. I tried pushing in that metal button looking thing but it didn't budge. Wth am I not doing? I'd like to be able to get my key out of the ignition sometime soon.

Do you have the key turned to the run position when pushing in the pin?

You may find you have to turn the key back and forth a bit while pushing on the pin to get it to push in if the detents in the cylinder are worn.

Once the pin pushes in, just yank the whole cylinder assy out. You can use a small slotted screwdriver to turn the ignition off afterwards if you don't have a new cylinder to install right away.

 

[ScottyDsntKno]

What about starting it? I guess I should prolly go buy a new one before I pull it eh? I'm not having any issues since I took the remote off the key and I have the keypad too, I just don't like leaving the key in the ignition in plain view.