Key stuck in ignition lock

[jcblade]

As the title states, the key is stuck in the ignition. I can't turn it to the lock position to remove the key. The gear shift is in the "park" position. I've tried to push in and turn but to no avail. Any ideas? This just stared today. Never had a problem before.

 

["Reaper"]

try reaching behind the key on the steering column and twist the back of the column to the left.
Mine does the same thing some times.

Shaun

 

[hiboom]

key

grab the steering column collar behind the key see if you can rotate it to the left then try to remove key the linkage gets play in it over time

 

["Turbo-T"]

I concur with the above posts, to ensure the steering column sleeve (between the ignition and the dash) is all the way up (steering lock) however, it could also be a broken lock cylinder tumbler....had one go bad on one of my trucks...went bad and wouldn't turn back to even shut off the engine.

 

[novaderrik]

floor shift? then do what the others have already said.. you might need to get under the car and adjust the backdrive linkage that goes up from the trans to the column.

 

[3.8L V-8 eater]

floor shift? then do what the others have already said.. you might need to get under the car and adjust the backdrive linkage that goes up from the trans to the column.

X2 on the above..Just had the same exact thing happen to me a little adjustment and the key come right out

 

[pacecarta]

the linkage rod needs a little adjustment from under the car , 1/2 (13mm) wrench and a minute on your back .
loosen nut hold linkage and push the rod to the column up , then tighten nut .
if your're coming out to the track i'll adjust it for you ,

 

[jcblade]

Thanks to all of you for the replies. I did get the key out but it's still tight to turn

Paul,
We're going to the track tonight. Thanks for offering to adjust it for us. We had the car tuned yesterday by Otto. I'll bring you up to date tonight.

Tony

 

[Scott87]

Consider using some graphite lock dust to lube the lock cylininder. A fdw puffs should do it for the tumblers inside.

It couldnt hurt to lube the ends of the linkage incase of binding?

 

[charlief1]

If adjusting the linkage doesn't solve the problem and you're still having issues then it's time to tear into the steering column. On the oposite side of where the key goes in is the rack that moves the lever to the ignition switch. Racks wear out and need replacing once in a while. This will keep the key locked in place. To replace it you'll need to tear down the column, sorry.

 

[BlackBandit]

first thing I would try if it's hard to turn would be to pop out the ignition tumbler and see if it's tight out of the car. If it is just put in a new tumbler. The whole job takes less than an hour if you have the tools. If you decide to try go buy the tool to depress the plate under the wheel. You will not regret it as it makes removing and in.stalling the wire retainer ring a 30 second job instead of a 30 min job.