Sticking Key issue?

[Angela_G]

:hothead: I have a question, and I am looking for help/suggestions, please.
I have a 2004 AWD/6CYL VUE with just shy of 40K on it. Just had her serviced about 800mi ago. I've had her since January of this year, and she gave me the very first problem this morning at 1:00. I parked in front of my house, shifted into park, set the handbrake, and turned the key back towards the steering column to shut the engine and the battery off. Well, they key got stuck in ACC and would not turn back to LOCK so I could shut the car off and remove the key. The key will turn to the right just fine and run the engine; I even drove the car again just in case it was an issue with the steering wheel locking. Parked a second time, same problem.

Turns out, what I have to do to kill the ACC and remove the key is put the car in park, crank the handbrake all the way back hard, pop the shifter into Reverse, then back into Park, and then the key will go to LOCK and can be removed.
Can anybody tell me why this might be happening, and what I might do to rectify this bothersome issue, please?
Thanks,
Angela

[DeliriousGA]

It sounds like the safety switch that makes you put it in park before removing the key is going out. Either that or the ignition switch.

[Ritz]

It's a common problem. It's the ignition switch. If it's under warranty they'll "lubricate it" or replace it for free. If it's not under warranty, have them replace the ignition switch.

Best,

[Puppetmaster]

It's a common problem. It's the ignition switch. If it's under warranty they'll "lubricate it" or replace it for free. If it's not under warranty, have them replace the ignition switch.

Best,

Just had mine replaced out of warranty.,., it's like a $65 part.,but they tacked on $250+ in labor :mad:

[Angela_G]

Thanks for all your help, everyone. Is this something someone in my heavily-mechanic-laden family can install, rather than blowing a good wad o' cash at the dealership? 'cause of course this didn't happen until the car rolled to 3K mi out of warrantee.

[DeliriousGA]

Thanks for all your help, everyone. Is this something someone in my heavily-mechanic-laden family can install, rather than blowing a good wad o' cash at the dealership? 'cause of course this didn't happen until the car rolled to 3K mi out of warrantee.It should be. The ignition switch in the Boxster only took me an hour to replace myself and cost $10 for the part. Look around for an aftermarket part. I bet you can pick one up at a local parts store for a decent price. If you finde one for cheap, get a couple of them so you don't have to wait for another part if it goes out again.

[Angela_G]

So the issue seems to have resolved itself... Just push the shifter into Park and i'm good to go!:cool:

[wlhawk]

So the issue seems to have resolved itself... Just push the shifter into Park and i'm good to go!:cool:

Sounds a lot better than a few hundred for parts and labor!

[vintagegz]

On lubing the ignition cylinder, does it really have to be dis assembled or can you spray some lube in through the keyhole for the same result?

[Angela_G]

According to other forums i've seen, you should be able to hit AutoZone or something and grab some kind of graphite spray and shoot it right in there.

[mangler66]

Did some research, and some guy at AllExperts.com recommended silicone spray, and said not to use graphite. For what it's worth...

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

First, dont use graphite. It covers and skews the passlock sensor in the cylinder housing. Use at the very least a silicone (non water based) lubricant.

It works best when you remove the cyl from the housing, and lubing the snot out of the inside of the housing itself.

Secondly, it doesnt sound like the ign is the issue here. It sounds as if it is the shift lock solenoid on the fritz. It wont let you remove the key without the vehicle in Park only. No other gear. It is located on the bottom of the lock housing, as welll as at the shifter. Sounds like you hare having a problem there.

[F-Bobby]

:hothead: I have a question, and I am looking for help/suggestions, please.
I have a 2004 AWD/6CYL VUE with just shy of 40K on it. Just had her serviced about 800mi ago. I've had her since January of this year, and she gave me the very first problem this morning at 1:00. I parked in front of my house, shifted into park, set the handbrake, and turned the key back towards the steering column to shut the engine and the battery off. Well, they key got stuck in ACC and would not turn back to LOCK so I could shut the car off and remove the key. The key will turn to the right just fine and run the engine; I even drove the car again just in case it was an issue with the steering wheel locking. Parked a second time, same problem.

Turns out, what I have to do to kill the ACC and remove the key is put the car in park, crank the handbrake all the way back hard, pop the shifter into Reverse, then back into Park, and then the key will go to LOCK and can be removed.
Can anybody tell me why this might be happening, and what I might do to rectify this bothersome issue, please?
Thanks,
Angela

yeah it seems like either the park switch isnt reading correctly, thinks the car isnt in park and wont let you back the key out. or possibly the ignition cylinder is getting bound up inside the ignition housing. if you find that making sure the shifter is all the way up into park fixes it then its that park switch. IF by chance you do wanna replace the ignition switch its very easy. i can Pm the instructions to ya if you want. or i noticed you are in massachusettes. depending on where you are i might be able to come do it for ya.