22 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHignition key won't release
Reported repair
Replace entire lock assembly
Reported resolution
1
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Reported fix
As it got worse, I replaced the entire lock assembly and that fixed the problem.
Leading evidence: 'Replace entire lock assembly' (1 discussions report resolution; 0 report an unsuccessful attempt). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace entire lock assembly' (1 discussions). For that action, 1 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. The most frequently reported fix is 'Replace entire lock assembly', supported by resolution reports in 1 discussions. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Suggestion
A car repair manual is helpful if you need to gain access to particular vehicles technical repair information such as sensor locations, wiring diagrams, firing orders, component locations, vacuum diagrams and repair procedures.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
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Suggestion
Repair manuals also include manufacturer specific testing and diagnostic procedure for troubleshooting: accessories, axles and drive train, body and chassis, brakes, climate control (heater and air conditioner ), fuel systems, electrical, emission systems, engine and engine cooling systems, exhaust systems, safety components such as seat belts and air bags, steering and suspension, service and maintenance, tires, rims, transmission service and much more.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
A car repair manual is helpful if you need to gain access to particular vehicles technical repair information such as sensor locations, wiring diagrams, firing orders, component locations, vacuum diagrams and repair procedures.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
Repair manuals also include manufacturer specific testing and diagnostic procedure for troubleshooting: accessories, axles and drive train, body and chassis, brakes, climate control (heater and air conditioner ), fuel systems, electrical, emission systems, engine and engine cooling systems, exhaust systems, safety components such as seat belts and air bags, steering and suspension, service and maintenance, tires, rims, transmission service and much more.
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
A car repair manual is helpful if you need to gain access to particular vehicles technical repair information such as sensor locations, wiring diagrams, firing orders, component locations, vacuum diagrams and repair procedures.
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
22 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
2 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
When I shut the car down the key often times will only pull out after some jiggling, at which point the key comes out easy peasy.
I have read the threads on switch replacement, but it seems to me that this is not the part of the mechanism that's grabbing hold of my key.
That is to say, the ignition switch that is easily replaced is the plastic electrical part, but it's the mechanical lock mechanism that I would think is my problem.
Anyone have any wisdom?
Could be the switch itself going bad, but I had it happen when my steering wheel had some tension on it (I had just set the car down after jacking it up), and I had to turn the wheel by hand just a tad to release the force on the key switch. Just a thought.
I had the same symptoms.... changed the switch and it was night and day. Its also 15min vs hours replacing the lock mechanism....25$ switch 15min job...
These things aren't as durable as they used to be. Would you believe that part of that mechanism is made in Singapore? Replace it before it strands you someplace.
About 95% of the time it is the cheesey plastic eletrical part, also used in Audi and VW that causes the key to stick. There is a small plastic part that breaks off internally jamming the rotation of the key. This keeps the key from returning completely. If you ignore it long enough you may start to experience strange electrical gremlins then failure and stranded.
Just like the others above have said, I had the same issue once. Replaced the plastic switch and all was good. Bought from ebay, 15-20min job for a first timer.
I had this happen just once a few years ago. My "fix" that has lasted over 2 years now was just to put a very thin coating of WD40 on the key, insert it and twist a little. Then I removed the key and wiped of the excess (if any). It was amazing how just a minute amount of lube made the key work better and it stayed this way. Anyway, this is free, low risk, and quick.
So what's the part number or name of this magical plastic part that can be replaced? Or is it best to replace the whole lock mechanism? Either way, what do I ask for / look for when replacing it? Any DIY picts/instructions anywhere? I like preventative maintenance.
I am getting ready to do this also I think I have a bunch of gremlins etc. I would change switch first least expensive and seems to be most common problem.
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...mber=4A0905849
Here is some instructions for the DIY.
http://www.gagme.com/greg/996/ignition.php
Tried that - no difference. When the key goes in and out it does so with no resistance whatsoever. It's only when I shut down the car and pull the key, it just won't budge...like when the car is running you can't take the key out, except the car isn't running.
I suppose for $25 and a half hour effort I should try the switch eh. Just seems odd that it would be the electrical part that's *behind* the lock mechanism, but hey I've seen WAY crazier **** than that happen before.
A car repair manual is helpful if you need to gain access to particular vehicles technical repair information such as sensor locations, wiring diagrams, firing orders, component locations, vacuum diagrams and repair procedures. Repair manuals also include manufacturer specific testing and diagnostic procedure for troubleshooting: accessories, axles and drive train, body and chassis, brakes, climate control (heater and air conditioner ), fuel systems, electrical, emission systems, engine and engine cooling systems, exhaust systems, safety components such as seat belts and air bags, steering and suspension, service and maintenance, tires, rims, transmission service and much more.
Do a search for this on Renntech. There are instructions for replacing the electric mechanism and it is the least expensive route, but may only be temporary. The alternative is replacing the entire lock for something like $600.
Hey buddy, I saw your question about the mechanics of the ignition. My car is having the same issue.
after driving I go to park up and when removing the key it�s like the mechanical part of the lock doesn�t close up so the car acts like the key is still in the ignition. The radio has to be manually turned off. And then the car won�t lock with the alarm so it�s a manual lock which leaves the passenger door unlocked!
did you manage to resolve the issue you had as it sounds very similar to what I�m experiencing just now???
thanks buddy, hope you are well and fingers crossed you reply!
I had a very similar problem as you're describing. I could remove my key but it wouldn't be in the "lock" position. After a few minutes I would hear a "click" that indicated the switch was now locked. As it got worse, I replaced the entire lock assembly and that fixed the problem. No issues at all since.
I had a similar experience. I replaced the electrical part of the switch several times, and it would fix the problem temporarily. Eventually replaced the entire steering wheel lock assembly, and now it's MUCH better.
I have a similar problem as described (some years ago...) by the OP: In my case, is not a problem with the key positions or switching on or off the car. Is just releasing the key from the switch. It slides in without problem but when I try to get it out (after switch off the engine) it seems to get trapped. If when I turn the engine off, I push it a bit strong to the left, harder than usual, it would come out easily.
Has anyone have the same problem and solved it by changing the electrical switch?
Thanks!
