Key stuck in the ignition

[jnifong]

Hi guys.

See if you can answer this one. I have an 89 civic lx automatic. When putting the car in park and turning it off, it won't let me turn the key back to get it out of the ignition. I think there may be a "neutral" switch or something that won't allow you to pull the key out unless the car is in park( which it is). Is that right? If so, how can this be fixed? Also, sometimes I can get it from park into any other gear. I know there is also a lock that disengages once you press the break that allows you to put it into gear. How can this be fixed?

Thanks,

Jon

[FrodoGT]

Correct, there is a lock that keeps the key in while not in park, you may have a loose wire/ground, or maybe the mechanism is bad....

[jnifong]

ok, thanks. i'll pull it apart and see what I can do with it.

Jon

[Tony]

Yes, there is a lock located at the shifter that tells the ignition if its in park. I don't know if its a mechanical one or electronic. If its mechanical you can find it and either push the rod into the cable, or pull it out, should release your key. I have a 95 240sx that had an auto in it and I have to make sure that the rod is in the right position to get my key out. Even if its electrical you could probably pick one up at the local salvage yard. Its just something simple at the bottom of the shifter, usually on one of the sides toward the front.

As for the brake, yes there is a sensor at the top of the pedal, usually automatics have 2 sensors up there, one is for your brake pedals, and one for the shifter. Just gotta figure out which one it is and see if there is a short in the wire, or replace it. Should be able to pick that up at a salvage yard too.

[FrodoGT]

Well said....

[jnifong]

Cool..Thanks guys. I actually have the spare parts already. I'm in the process of swapping a rebuilt engine from a body with a few electrical problems (which wouldn't allow it to start) to the body of a car with a worn out engine (210k miles and blow head gasket) but good electrics (with the exception of the key and shifter problems). I'll just pull what I need from the original car. It worked in it. I'm pretty sure I'll be parting pieces out from the other car once this project is finished, if you know of anyone needing anything.

Jon

[Rayser34]

i had the same problem sio i changed out the cylender and it still seems to get stuck when trying to get key out but seemes to only happen when its cold out and if i play with it i can allways get it out cant wait for summer to get here

[Tony]

Yea, the cold always effects lock cylinders, usually just the outside ones don't want to turn or give you your key back, but im guessing if the inside gets cold enough, it can do it too.

[FrodoGT]

Never experienced that phenom. It's like 75 deg. here, ugg...