Key Getting Stuck in Ignition

Hi All,
In my 1998 Honda Civic, car key is getting stuck when I park the
vehicle. I did some search on the gorum and found this link explaining
the problem:

http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.autos.makers.honda/browse_thread/thread/b203926adb3d2b5d/20541bd678be242c?lnk=st&q=Honda+Civic+Key+getting+stuck&rnum=5&hl=en#20541bd678be242c

Please advise how much labour intenive this solution is and how much it
should cost to fix this problem.

Thanks in advance

 

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It might be similar to this problem too:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/civic/x94-010e.pdf
I fixed this adjustment on my '97 CR-V a few months ago and now it
starts correctly in PARK or Neutral. I wasn't having trouble with key
removal.

If you're parking on an incline or snug against a curb, the manual
already tells you how that affects the removal of the key. If somebody
has sprayed WD-40 or oil in the ignition lock, that also explains your
problem.

Maybe you just need to spray the lock with a good graphite-based lube. I
use lock-Ease every year on all five locks. I searched around and found
it at a good locksmith. It's messy, but makes them all work like new.
Wipe the key with a tissue afterwards.

Did you check your VIN to see if your Civic qualified for the ignition
switch recall???
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/tsb/civic/x02-031e.pdf

'Curly'

 

Hi Curly,
Thanks for your reply. If you refer to the link that I posted, you
would see that the problem of not being able to take the key out
originates in the Parking Shift Handle and not in the Ignition it-self.
If someone can tell me how much it would cost to fix the problem ( as
explained in the link below) i'll appreciate it.

LINK
http://groups.google.ca/group/rec.autos.makers.honda/browse_thread/thread/b203926adb3d2b5d/20541bd678be242c?lnk=st&q=Honda+Civic+Key+getting+stuck&rnum=5&hl=en#20541bd678be242c

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The adjustment mentioned in the recall is something any fool can do.
Hondas are famous for shift linkage problems, especially when the
weather turns COLD. The overall length of the shift cable is adjustable.
The recall I'm quoting just happens to mirror the adjustment method in
the Helms manual. (saved you $60 for now).

I read the info you provided. The most obvious solution is often the
simplest and cheapest, and it's sometimes the one everybody overlooks.

My old Dog Caravan refused to give back the key almost out of the blue,
and the (buddy) locksmith I called said it was a dry lock. I had to use
some unorthodox spray to get it loose, since I wasn't at home at the
time.

A dealer that would 'sand the keys' might miss something else that was
obvious like a dry / gummed up lock or a shifter linkage that's not
adjusted correctly.

You can PAY to have it done, or do it yourself, or at least have more
suggestions in hand when you approach the dealer about your particular
problem.

www.slhondaparts.com has your parts diagrams.

'Curly'

 

A common problem is the console switch which controls the indicator
light on the dash and the release mechanism on the ignition key. If
the transmission indicator light doesn't show "P", the key will not
release. If that is your problem, the part will cost maybe $50 and
you could install it yourself in a half hour or less. The common
symptom is a delay in the indicator light and key release after you
shift into P which is worse when the temperature is cold. It usually
isn't a problem in the Summer. It affects 1990+ generation Accords.
and possibly other models.