sol-man

My sister has a 93 del Sol and is having problems removing the key after the car is shut off. I had new keys made for her at the honda dealers using her VIN and its still the same. I know that the engine was re-built by the previous owner who didnt believe in warming up the car no matter how cold it is outside. I notice that the auto shifter light is out. Is there a sensor that doesnt let the key come out if the car doesnt think its in park?

Thanks for all your help

NEW INFO
I just found out from her that the key does not go all the way to the off position. It is just slightly off if that helps.
Thanks again



[Modified by sol-man, 5:29 PM 1/16/2002]

McD

Jiggle the steering wheel around a bit, that always works for me...

sol-man

Jiggle shake rattle and roll; no luck.
Shift into park drive neutral still no luck.
Start and shut off the car still no luck.

JSTOCK

That puppy might need a new ignition switch. Same thing happend to my lady's Focus.

deepnite

if the steering wheel isnt center d..it ll stick..unless its got a lever that release s the key..sorta like the steering wheel lock

sol-man

How much was the switch to replace granted yours was for a Focus.
Thanks

F22B-EF

now is the time to get the Push Start button....maybe new ignition....my friend has a del sol maybe i can ask him if there's a tricky way of getting the key out

JSTOCK

It was still under warrantee so I don't know.....sorry. I am thinking a little pricey for an import. Start scouting the salvage yards!!

B18C-EJ1

Check the cable that goes from the auto shifter to the key. If it's out of adjustment, it won't let the key come out.

HTH

sol-man

Do I have to remove the center console and trace it back under the dash?

B18C-EJ1

Yep. There should be an adjuster by the igniton switch

sol-man

Anyone else with some helpful suggestions?

iceburgslim

I agree with B18, remove the center console and adjust the auto shifter. There is a switch in the shifter, and if the shifter isnt all the way in park it will not hit the switch, so the key stays locked in. I think there is a screw at the base of the shift lever, but I cant remeber for sure.I hope this helps! Later!


[Modified by iceburgslim, 3:16 AM 1/17/2002]

deepnite

always a last resort is are the crooks at the dealerships that ll say they need to replace have ur car to get the key to come out

sol-man

Thanks everyone
I have something to do this weekend.

sol-man

Any other ideas?
I only thing I found after removing the center console was a sliding switch that controls the dash light to show what gear your in.

fixhondas

it also controls the solenoid that keeps your key in the ignition. When the key doesn't come out- you will probably notice the Park light is not on in the guage cluster. It probably either needs adjusted and/or cleaned or replaced.

sol-man

Thanks
I will check it out tonight

sol-man

Cleaned it out and the light does come on when in park
Key still stuck
Any other ideas?

fixhondas

you may be Del Outta Luck- it is possible the lock cylinder has been messed up by either wear or a worn key. Does the key turn back to the lock (0) position? If so- you will need a new ignition lock assy. If it does not turn back to (0) I would try to disconnect the ignition switch harness- you will be looking for a brown plug about an inch wide that is just above the dash fuse box- you will see the harness going into the steering column- unplug this and see if the key will turn back to (0).

Captain Save-a-Hoe

Try sprayin some WD40 in it. Fixed my key prob. It lubed up the cylinders inside the ignition and doors.

sol-man

I will try the switch tonight but as far as WD40 I already did that one.
Thanks