Key not releasing

[Levi]

I searched the archives and have not been able to find anything about a key issue I have been having. Every once in a while my key will not release from the ignition until I put it back in drive then back in park again. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Thanks again for the help in advance. Lee.

 

[Brentbba]

Try bumping the shifter just slightly forward. Mine since new will occasionally just not lock forward enough and a little bump moves it into position to allow the key to release.

 

[instigator]

i have something of an opposite problem from your's, with my 4runner. i can isert the key but sometimes it wont turn the switch, i have to pull it out a couple of times the reset the tumblers. it might be the same thing but in reverse for you. i just put up with it.

 

[Romer]

I have a similar problem, I think it has to do with the anti-theft stuff. When this happens, I just turn the steering wheel a bit and the issue goes away.

 

[RavenTai]

this is a separate problem, on the LX450 there is a small electrical solenoid in the ignition switch that retains the key in the ignition, separate from the tumblers and the steering wheel lock, is this solenoid also present on the LC?

 

[Biff]

Mine does the same thing when I turn off the engine, I move the shifter upwards slightly and it resloves the problem.

 

[Felt]

I searched the archives and have not been able to find anything about a key issue I have been having. Every once in a while my key will not release from the ignition until I put it back in drive then back in park again. Any ideas on what could be causing this? Thanks again for the help in advance. Lee.

Hi Lee, Try using Tri-Flow in the ignition just a little squirt should do the trick. I have been a locksmith for 20 years and lack of lubrication in any lock will cause the tumblers or pins to stick. The weight on a key chain in a ignition over years can cause trouble also. Hope this might help.

 

[FJason80]

I was having this same problem, and I'm pretty sure its because the key is not supossed to release if the car is not in Park. Try jiggling the shifter a bit until it is firmly in the P position. Worked for me.

 

[Lka1988]

this is a separate problem, on the LX450 there is a small electrical solenoid in the ignition switch that retains the key in the ignition, separate from the tumblers and the steering wheel lock, is this solenoid also present on the LC?

If you're talking about a little button by the ignition that releases the key, then no. Good idea though.

 

[jamisobe]

Every once in a while mine does this. I wiggle and then I jiggle.

 

[dwainf]

Every once in a while mine does this. I wiggle and then I jiggle

Hmmm, interesting mental picture...how does this help to remove the key?

Seriously, a little silicone spray in the ignition switch freed mine up.

 

[RavenTai]

If you're talking about a little button by the ignition that releases the key, then no. Good idea though.

nope not a button, it is an electrical solenoid on the 450, see the golden colored cube in these pictures

 

[Levi]

Thanks for the input guys!

This is really an awesome forum, thanks again for the responses. Lee.