Key wont come out!

[Reconn1]

Strangest thing, everything was working perfect after new engine and tranny install, but I went to turn the truck off the other day and the key wouldn't remove or turn all the way off.

I've tried everything, including adjusting the shifting linkage between the shifter lever and tranny, and other such ideas, but nothing worked. I decided to take off the negative cable to the battery terminal so as to not drain the battery....and all of a sudden the key would remove. I've since reconnected the battery cable and tried again, but the only way I can get the key out of the ignition is to remove electrical power to the vehicle........any ideas?

Thank you in advance!

 

[jwilber]

There is some sort of switch that that tells the truck it is in park. I know I have to bump mine a little every once in a while to remove the key. Maybe yours has shorted out or needs to be adjusted. If you search it I think you will find some exact info on it

 

[greentruck]

You mentioned adjusting the linkage between the shifter and tranny?

Like me, jwilber mentions "bumping" the tranny shifter. I often have to bump the shifter all the way forward to turn and remove the key. Always works when needed, so haven't bothered checking on adjusting anything.

 

[D'Animal]

Just like Jwilber and greentruck, I have to "bump" mine into park position once in awhile.

 

[Reconn1]

I've bumped, jammed, crammed and battered that thing around to no avail...the only way the key will remove is if I disconnect the battery cable. The linkage is now adjusted perfectly, but that darn key still won't come out while in park.....maybe it's the electronics on the other end of the tranny rod on driver's side?

 

[Reconn1]

The strange thing is that everything else works fine. The shifter is lined up with the gears, the dash lights (for the gear indication) match p perfectly to what gear it's I, but the key just won't come out unless I disconnect the battery. Anyone know of a secret switch/relay or something, or should I replace the ignition switch itself?

 

[Bogart]

I had a similar situation on a very cold night after a very wet period here, could not get the engine to turn off and remove key, In the end my ignition switch had gotten gummed up and the the temp change was enough to jam it up . I dismanteled and cleaned, lubed with silicone spray and it solved my problem.
Hope yours is as simple

 

[Reconn1]

Bogart,
That seems a bit more logical, but not the same circumstances as mine. My engine will turn off, but the radio and such stays on (as if the key is stuck in the ACC position), and will only remove when battery power is removed...damnedest thing!

 

[jwilber]

You need to open your shift counsel and find the switch that controls it

 

[Reconn1]

That sir, is exactly what I needed to hear. If there is a switch in there like you say, then that's where I should start.....THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I'll keep y'all posted

 

[Bogart]

Hi Recon, my ignition switch was gummy and not releasing or making proper contact after cleaning it was Ok, i also cleaned the neutral safety switch just in case as it has a rep for some similar symptoms.
Best of luck!!

 

[Reconn1]

Hi Recon, my ignition switch was gummy and not releasing or making proper contact after cleaning it was Ok, i also cleaned the neutral safety switch just in case as it has a rep for some similar symptoms.
Best of luck!!

The "neutral safety switch" is the one under the shifter housing?

 

[jwilber]

Check your fsm under shift lock system in the transmission section

 

[Reconn1]

Will do, thank you

 

[Reconn1]

Will do, thank you

None of the above...any other ideas?

 

[Dan_J-spec_fj62]

Reconn1,

I am having the exact same issue, but mine is with a HDJ81... I didn't know about the negative battery terminal trick. I will give that a try.

It proves that it is an electrical issue, but I'll be damned if i have been able to find it in the Manual. I'll let you know if I find a solution.

Dan

 

[fj4score]

I read all the threads when I couldnt get mine out, to no avail. Mine ended up being that the tab that the button on the shifter pushes down wasnt returning all the way to the top after I pushed it and I have to pull it up the rest of the way before it will come out.

 

[kristofferson]

Jiggling the shifter worked for me. Thanks for the tips!

 

[2KCruiser]

Maybe key cylinder and ignition switch not in sync?

 

[2KCruiser]

Scratch that, has to be related to the linkages, mainly the center console push handle to release from gear to gear.