Key stuck in ignition AGAIN

cantaloop

cantaloop

New member
So I had a sporadic issue where my key would occasionally get stuck in acc mode when i turned the car off. Took about 10-15 mins of shakin the shifter and restarting the car before it would finally come out. Looked it up and found the article about the automatic shifter bushings and how it can sometimes miss the park detector due to play in the shifter.

So i replaced all 4 bushings with new toyota ones. Problem went away for about 3 weeks and I was happy. But then last night it happened again! Beyond pissed. This makes me think that its something electrical. If i unplug the connector between the shifter and the wiring harness that runs through my dash, the key comes out fine. Anyone had this problem before? Its really getting annoying and I hate driving around with no trim around my shifter.


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Just to make sure its not because the steering wheel is locked and pressure causes the ignition not to move? THats the only issue ive heard of like this.
 
I had this issue a few weeks ago after taking apart the shifter handle and putting it back together. I couldn't pull my key out unless I disconnected that connecter you mentioned. Basically the vehicle doesn't think you're in park when you actually are in park. Try loosening the screws that hold the shifter assembly(or whatever it's called) down. Move the assembly around (most likely you'll want to try sliding it forward to give the shifter more wiggle when in park) until the key comes out when in park. Tighten the screws for the shifter assembly (keeping it in that same position). That's what I did and the problem went away. Hope that helps!
 
My "work around" for this is to push my shifter slightly to the right when moving from D to P. I had intermittent issues with my key getting stuck and this solved the problems. I know it's not ideal because there is still an underlying issue, but it works.
 
You may also be able to adjust either the neutral safety switch or the shift linkage to the transmission. Start with the shift linkage... (loosen nut on linkage by the trans, put shifter into park, make sure trans is fully into park, re-tighten nut)

-Charlie
 
aontkos said:
My "work around" for this is to push my shifter slightly to the right when moving from D to P. I had intermittent issues with my key getting stuck and this solved the problems. I know it's not ideal because there is still an underlying issue, but it works.
Click to expand...

I have this issue and did something similar. For me, I would push the transmission shifter forward a little and would hear a "click" as it seated in place. Then I could take the key out.

I went under the vehicle and unbolted the shifter assembly from the transmission linkage. I then tried it with several tension settings by moving the nut forwards and back and found a spot that does it the least. Now it only does it rarely and is easy to correct.
 
I replaced my bushings and it has worked great, but inky after I took apart the shifter housing and played with that switch 2 or 3 times until I got it back together correctly.

Does the solenoid for the switch work? I bench tested mine to make sure.
 
Bump again. Can't seem to figure it out. I adjusted the linkage that connect to the trans but that only made it worse. Before i could go from park to N back to park and then it would come out. But i adjusted the linkage and then it didnt come out at all. So i adjusted it back to where it was before and now it wont come out at all. I seriously need to figure this out


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JBurt said:
I replaced my bushings and it has worked great, but inky after I took apart the shifter housing and played with that switch 2 or 3 times until I got it back together correctly.

Does the solenoid for the switch work? I bench tested mine to make sure.
Click to expand...


How do i check the solenoid?


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My wife says if you leave it off turn the key to ACC and shift to reverse. Wait a bit then back to park. Key should come out.
 
Mine did that 5 yrs ago. Called a mobile locksmith, 15mins and $75 later, fixed and stayed fixed since. He said some small part of the ignition lock breaks loose and causes the stick. He removed that small broken piece.

One very neat feature of the repair is the key will now come out from Any position at will, handy when visiting the mailbox! Luck and enjoy. :cowboy:
 
This technique saved us just now, and I'll remember it for the future. This is not the first time we've had this happen. Thanks!
 
Sac_96er said:
This technique saved us just now, and I'll remember it for the future. This is not the first time we've had this happen. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Which technique, several were discussed?

It will help others in the future if you explain exactly what you did.
 
AuSeeker said:
Which technique, several were discussed?

It will help others in the future if you explain exactly what you did.
Click to expand...

Might be this....Key stuck diagnosis

This is listed on page one on this thread. I always graphite my keys so the lock tumblers do not stick.

The solenoid sticking mostly deals with the park neutral safety switch etc. :-(
 
this could be a problem with your steering lock system, not sure what for certain though
 
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