I just can not get the key out of the ignition. I've tried changing the gear leaver from Park to N ( it's an auto)but it makes no differance. Giggled the key pressed the little button but does not want to know. Any ideas what I can do. Any one out there had the same preoblem in the past.

I need help.

PLEASE!!:( :(

All I know is it should be in park. I think there is a micro switch there so could be that???

 

Jan...

Had the same prob with an FTO, so sorry if it is different but I had to remove the cowl, trim around the steering column, and there was a cable (I think) connected to the brake pedal, this was out of adjustment but could be tweeked with the trim off.

Again sorry if this is of no help.

Mark

Yep, I've had the same problem. To get the key out remove the trim from around the keyswitch and manually move the very small lever that is part of the key mechanism and you should be able to remove the key. Can't really give any more detailed info since it's a while since I had to do it and cant remember the exact detail of the mechanism. This lever should engage/disengage automatically form a gearbox signal I think, I never got round to finding out why it dosen't work on my car and settled for wedging the lever in the 'open' with a piece of plastic.

CHEERS Guys for your help.

I'm wondering whether it's because the car is a little damp due to the rain we've had has caused this or am I being silly.

Any way I'll look at it tomorrow.

Thanks again to you all.

 

I've just notice I'm a junior again, shame I not look it.

This also happened to me.

There is a link to the auto box. It must be in park to let you take the key out when you press the button, this activates a solenoid in the lock which relaeses a pin to let the button move.

This is a safety feature!?

Now in my case all I did was wiggle the gear lever a few times as it was not making the right connection, push the lever hard into park!

Failing this the solenoid may have given up. In this case you may have to permanently keep th epin disengaged with an elastic band or wire!

 

Worth a try

I had the same problem with mine.

 

I wacked the small button next to the ignition with a hammer and that did the trick. Don't blame me if you break it though ;-)

 

AndyZ

I have had the same problem and found this can result from a blown fuse affecting the park/key release interlock. If you door lights and reversing beeper dont work at the same time as the key problem check the 15 amp fuses in the fuse block. One may be blown as it was in my case. Once replaced everything OK and key could be removed.

To day I found the time to look at this push pin at the side of the key.

Theres a cover around the push pin that comes of quite easy. Once off you can just see the solenoid that release the pin. this sometimes gets jammed and with a small screw driver you can release the spring that holds the pin in place which allows you to take the key out.

If you can't see it, just take the housing off around the steering wheel and you can't miss it.

Oh I'm so happy now. It's been a week now that I've had the key stuck in the ignition and the smallest sound I hear at night I was by the window.:D :D :D

 

Thanks for all the help!!:D