Can't get key out

I have a 1990 Honda Accord. Every time it gets cold out, I have to wait
about 2 minutes, hear a click and than I can remove the key from the
ignition. I also have to leave a key in the lockout or I can't shift from
drive to reverse and visa-versa. I've tried different keys, WD40 and
shifting from park to drive and back again. Any suggestions?
chas638

 

Not positive on your year, but most cars have a switch in the shifter
that detects when it is in neutral. It controls a mechanism in your
ignition lock, allowing the key to be removed in Park only.
The shifter can only be moved when you press the brake. It could be
that the brake pedal switch is not working right in that is isn't
detected by the transmission lockout mechanism.
Since you have to have a key in your lockout, I'd check the
transmission lockout (take the hump off and see what's going on in
there when you insert a key and press the brake pedal).

It might have some gunk in the mechanism that when mixed with cold
grease is thick. It may just need cleaning. Worst case is that it could
be your ignition switch.

Remco

 

--------------------------

The length of the shifter cable changes when it gets too cold, throwing
out it's adjustment. Any mechanic who has worked on Hondas can do the
adjustment for you. On a CR-V it's in the steering column, but yours is
probably inside the console.

'Curly'

 

Time for a new shifter cable. bob

 

Maybe, but the other poster had this one right. It is the console
switch (which tells the car what gear position the shift lever is in.)
I guarantee that this is the problem.

 

This is the problem, guaranteed. It's called the console switch.

No

 

The wire from the brake switch broken? No?

Pepsi syndrome? As in spilling soda in the mechanism? No?

 

I'll give that a shot, Thank you all for your help
chas638

 

Hello agian,
Is there anyway to jump out the console switch?

 

Maybe, but it might be kind of complicated/inconvenient/unsafe. If
you just jump it so that it thinks it is always in P, you might remove
the key while it is in D and it could roll or start in D next time you
drive it. Might be other effects too - not sure what all this
controls.

 

I should mention that if money is tight you can always try cleaning it
- not sure if this is at all possible but you can at least look at it.
you really have to get this fixed and the part isn't too expensive
(maybe $45 five years ago.) It is kind of unsafe as it is since you
could become an obstruction to traffic if you accidentally put it in P
for some reason.

 

I had this problem with my accura and fixed it with a zip tie.
See,
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.autos.acura/browse_thread/thread/c2de17447bec3314/71d1f2da3b185faa?lnk=st&q=author%3AXarthurruhtra%40netscape.netX&rnum=2&hl=en#71d1f2da3b185faa

or

http://tinyurl.com/dzuac

--Art