[Cameraman]

I pulled in for gas, threw the car in park and tried to turn the key all the way off and remove it. It only went to the first postion and no further and wouldn't come out and yes, I pushed when I turned and the car was in park. So, I left it in, did my business went off to my next stop where it came out without a problem. I have had trouble removing it a couple of times before but this is the first total "I can't get the damn thing out" situation. Anyone willing to offer a WAG about what's going on here?

 

[boneheadz]

I know this is a stupid question, but did you make sure that it was all the way into park?

 

[Ed]

From an incomplete understanding...

Make sure the steering wheel is not close to one of the "steering wheel position lock stops" before turning the key.

There is some castor in the suspension. (all this means is that the wheels will try to return to straight ahead when the steering wheel is released. It has to do with weight of the vehicle and suspension geometry).

There are locking points in the steering system so that if someone hot wires your car they will only be able to drive around in circles. How far will they get?

Your key may be getting stuck in between the return tendency of the castor and the locking notch or dog or whatever.

Turn the wheel to lift up the front of the car slightly (that means more toward not straight ahead. It may help to think of the steering wheel as a jack for the front end of the car).

Once you lift the car off the key it should turn and come out easily.

Ed

 

[Cameraman]

I did wiggle the wheel, but I didn't take the trans out of park and put it back in. If it happens again I will be careful to follow your advice(s). Thanks for the input.

 

[StLouisPenguin]

That has happend a few times on my Husband's Civic and my mom's acura....I always end of thinking I am some sort of idiot that can't get a key out of the lock.

 

[Einstein]

Eh... page 86 of owner's manual...

 

[Swan Quarter]

I also experienced a stuck key. My experience seems to be totally related to not having pushed the stick shift fully into park. I have just been bumping the shifter and out it comes.

 

[garyrichard156]

From an incomplete understanding...

Make sure the steering wheel is not close to one of the "steering wheel position lock stops" before turning the key.

There is some castor in the suspension. (all this means is that the wheels will try to return to straight ahead when the steering wheel is released. It has to do with weight of the vehicle and suspension geometry).

There are locking points in the steering system so that if someone hot wires your car they will only be able to drive around in circles. How far will they get?

Your key may be getting stuck in between the return tendency of the castor and the locking notch or dog or whatever.

Turn the wheel to lift up the front of the car slightly (that means more toward not straight ahead. It may help to think of the steering wheel as a jack for the front end of the car).

Once you lift the car off the key it should turn and come out easily.

Ed

Ed, tried your turning technique and key came right out. Sprayed ignition cylinder with wd-40 and some spray lithium lubricant and it'd a smooth as ever to remove key from ignition. THANK YOU!!!