Hi, I need help taking the ignition key out!!

My car was stolen/recovered but brake light was stolen along with the wires. The manual gear shift key was torn up so they could get to the radio/ Will someone please help me resolve my problem?

When I turn on the car the brake light warning is on because I have no Right side tail light. When I go to check the fuse box because the Horn won't work, I see the Fuse for the Horn/Brake light is busted. After I replaced the fuse, now the ignition key won't come out. If I take off the fuse, the ignition key WILL come out.


This is the Help I need:
Will someone (with 94-97 Accord EX) kindly unplug one of the tail lights from the wiring harness and see if you can use the ignition key to start the car and see if it comes out? I have not replaced the light yet but I need to know if that will solve my problem..Thank you!

Oops the title is wrong... It should read Stolen Brake light


Modified by norcim at 7:00 PM 11/21/2006

 

Ok I replaced the tail lights but I still cant remove the ignition key unless I take out the Horn/Brake light fuse.

Will someone help me with this?

 

I am just guessing at stuff today, since they damaged the gear shifter lock and maybe the shift lock solenoid down in the shifter housing this might be the reason you cant remove you key, the shift lock solenoid and other related items does not know that your shifter is in park, it must be in park or your key will not come out, look into this theory.

 

I am at the point where I am going to just replace the entire gear shift, solenoid and all.

Its a fairly easy job but I have one concern. There is a cable in the center that comes in from the engine compartment. This cable must be aligned properly so that I shift properly (ie. if the cable is too long and I put the car in neutral it will actually be in drive)

Any pointers in handling this? Also, if I unhook that cable will it retract into the engine compartment or does it not have tension?

 

OK, I am not completely aware of the damage due to the theft but I am going to guess that you only need to remove OR replace the shift lock mechanism and solenoid. It may end up that that you will also need to disconnect the plug that energizes the key lock on the ignition switch assy of you remove the safety items (child safety) from the gear shifter. The shifter itself and the cable should PROBABLY be just fine.

 

I replaced the entire gear shift. $25.00 from a junk yard and 1 hour of work. Thanks.

BTW, it was the solenoid. It was easier replacing everything rather than mess with removing it safely. Shifting much better too due to good lubrication on the one I purchased.