Toyota Key wont come out

[Avenger985]

I have a 98 Toyota camry LE L4 engine. I got into a car accident and am trying to fix the car myself. So far I have replaced the radiator, lowere control arm, lower ball joint, and shifter cable. I am having a problem with the ignition key. I can stick the key in the ignition and start the car but when I try to take out the key, it wont come out. The only way it will come out is if I disconnect the battery. Anyone got a clue what it could be. Do I just need to replace the igntion lock?

[somick]

Originally Posted by Avenger985

I have a 98 Toyota camry LE L4 engine. I got into a car accident and am trying to fix the car myself. So far I have replaced the radiator, lowere control arm, lower ball joint, and shifter cable. I am having a problem with the ignition key. I can stick the key in the ignition and start the car but when I try to take out the key, it wont come out. The only way it will come out is if I disconnect the battery. Anyone got a clue what it could be. Do I just need to replace the igntion lock?

If the disconnect of power solves the problem it may be some relay that got damaged after the accident. Download your car's repair manual and start from there. The link to the manuals is at the top of the Toyota forum.

Good luck,

Sam

[jdmccright]

My first guess would be that the shifter is not recognizing the car as being in 'Park' or 'Neutral'. The key will not come out unless the park/neutral safety switch is engaged. Perhaps when you replaced the cable you didn't adjust for slack or the switch was damaged or disconnected during replacement? Hope this helps!