Key doesnt get out of the ignition..

[justnobody]

alright, i never had a problem getting the key out, now 3 times this past week, i shut the car off, but the key doesnt come out, the accessories are still on but my key doesnt come out and the accessories dont go off. I asked around people told me to turn the wheel left once holding on the brake and all this crap, nothing really worked, i just kept on turning my engine on and off rapid fire till the key eventually came out. Anyone know what causes this or have a simple solution of getting the key out. Im starting to get frustated with this. thanks.

 

[500orbust]

Is your steering wheel straight when you try to turn it off? Your key or key tumblers may be worn out also.

 

[justnobody]

well the first 2 times, it wasnt straight but today i drove 10ft straight line to get out of the snow and it didnt shut off. if its the key tumbler is that something expensive? or gonna make my car be in the shop for long?

 

[numlock666]

By the way is it Auto or Manual?

 

[RED TREAD 97]

try the easy, inexpensive stuff first; put a little 3in1 oil on the key and put it in the ignition, slide the key in and out to lube up the tumblers. if not try a small bit of lithium grease and to the same. Might also be, the key is worn.

 

[justnobody]

its auto .. yea im gonna try my spare key, its never used, and its light.. thanks for the suggestions.

 

[914g63gsx]

If its an auto, try shaking the shifter around a bit. It might not be going all the way into park.

 

[numlock666]

In Auto's there is a cable that runs from the gear selector to the ignition that prevents the key from comming out unless its in park. With the Key already out, if you put it in but not turn it, can you get it out?? Also if you turn it and not put it in gear can you get it out? If so, its most likely that cable, if not, its the lock assembly and could just need some lubing. Look into keyhole lubes at a hardware store, 3 bucks tops.

 

[dsmtalontsi95]

Could the stearing wheel be locked?

 

[Locke]

If its an auto, try shaking the shifter around a bit. It might not be going all the way into park.

In Auto's there is a cable that runs from the gear selector to the ignition that prevents the key from comming out unless its in park. With the Key already out, if you put it in but not turn it, can you get it out?? Also if you turn it and not put it in gear can you get it out? If so, its most likely that cable, if not, its the lock assembly and could just need some lubing. Look into keyhole lubes at a hardware store, 3 bucks tops.

My money is on these guys. ^^^^

 

[coryd]

^^agree try your spare

 

[Defiant]

Just in case, the key has to be pressed in to lock the column and turn past ACC after you turn it off. This replaces the old 1G lock trigger.
Lock shops have little tubes of graphite for use in lock cylinders. It takes the slightest amount. And, despite the fables and wives' tales, it's okay to use WD-40 in lock cylinders. Just a fast spritz.