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Can't take key out of the ignition...

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Old 05-09-2017, 01:12 PM
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Default Can't take key out of the ignition...

1999 Civic CX

Every time I stop my car and put it in park, I can't get the key out of the ignition. When I turn the key back over, the dash lights indicate I'm in both Park and D4. It takes about 5 - 10 minutes of putting the car in and out of park to get the key out of the ignition. When I move the gear to D3 or 2, the dash light switches after maybe 2 seconds and I can hear a click coming from close to the glove compartment. Any recommendations on how to fix this? Thanks.
Old 05-09-2017, 08:33 PM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

gl, electrical issues...
Old 05-09-2017, 09:10 PM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

to me it sounds like the gear selector switch but first check the basics; all the fuses are good and the grounds are sound.
Old 05-10-2017, 02:48 AM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

brake switch at the brake pedal. Had this issue before in my daughter's '97 Integra.
Old 05-10-2017, 10:07 AM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Originally Posted by NVturbo
brake switch at the brake pedal. Had this issue before in my daughter's '97 Integra.
I thought the brake switch controlled taking it our of park?

In which case I would think it would be related to the neutral safety switch of the gear selector not reading it's in park.

Possibly something as simple as corroded contacts.

Last edited by TomCat39; 05-10-2017 at 11:47 AM. Reason: typo correction
Old 05-10-2017, 10:50 AM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

I have this problem seemingly randomly on my del sol. it seems like there is too much play in the ignition and something isn't lined up right, if i jiggle it or pay close attention where it is when i start to push the key in to remove it, it works.
Old 05-10-2017, 11:30 AM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Originally Posted by DieMaster
to me it sounds like the gear selector switch but first check the basics; all the fuses are good and the grounds are sound.
Not sure how to do all of that but I'll take a look at it with my father this weekend. He's a chrysler mechanic but I'm sure he'll be able to take a look. Having said that, I assume it's got something to do with the gear selector switch as well.

Originally Posted by NVturbo
brake switch at the brake pedal. Had this issue before in my daughter's '97 Integra.
I apreciate the suggestion but I don't think that's it - I've never had trouble moving the car in and out of different gears/park.

Originally Posted by Neth
I have this problem seemingly randomly on my del sol. it seems like there is too much play in the ignition and something isn't lined up right, if i jiggle it or pay close attention where it is when i start to push the key in to remove it, it works.
I think if I pull up in the shifter while I put it in park it tends to work more often than if I don't? So I think it's got something to do with the actual gear selector mechanism.
Old 05-10-2017, 11:49 AM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

You really should see if you can locate the Factory Service Manual (FSM) for your car. Not the Haynes crap manual but the helminc.com manual. Please see the page below from the FSM for the 96-00 civic.

Name:  Capture.JPG
Views: 1996
Size:  158.4 KB

See page 23-131 and 23-132 in the Electrical section.
Old 05-11-2017, 07:52 AM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Originally Posted by TomCat39
I thought the brake switch controlled taking it our of park?

In which case I would think it would be related to the neutral safety switch of the gear selector not reading it's in park.

Possibly something as simple as corroded contacts.
At first, I thought it was the interlock module as well. Replaced the brake switch and it fixed the problem.
Old 05-15-2017, 07:03 PM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Hi, I'm having a similiar issue any luck finding out what the problem was?
Old 05-16-2017, 01:54 PM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Originally Posted by DJBLUEB20
Hi, I'm having a similiar issue any luck finding out what the problem was?
I took the car to where my father works (He's a mechanic), and he had no trouble with the key at all. So he hopped in the passenger side and I got in and I still couldn't get the key out (after turning on the car, reversing, putting it in drive and moving a bit, then putting it in park). So he grabbed the shifter, and it made a little click noise, and the key came out. So basically every time I want to take the key out of the ignition, I just need to wiggle the shifter ever so slightly when the car is in park. I guess slamming it hard in to park rarely gave me the same effect as that.
Old 05-16-2017, 04:12 PM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Im assuming your car is automatic? This is a common problem.

Key Cannot Be Removed From the Ignition Switch ('96-'99 with Automatic Transmission and Shift/Ignition Lock)

Shift cable is out of adjustment, preventing the pin from engaging in the key lock switch. Adjust the shift cable.

SEARCH FOR - TSB 97-009

I just did this for my daily civic the other day. Easy Fix.

Old 05-16-2017, 05:03 PM
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Default Re: Can't take key out of the ignition...

Originally Posted by agb22
Im assuming your car is automatic? This is a common problem.

Key Cannot Be Removed From the Ignition Switch ('96-'99 with Automatic Transmission and Shift/Ignition Lock)

Shift cable is out of adjustment, preventing the pin from engaging in the key lock switch. Adjust the shift cable.

SEARCH FOR - TSB 97-009

I just did this for my daily civic the other day. Easy Fix.

Yep, that looks like it's exactly my problem. Thanks!
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