heres a strange one

My wife has a '95 Civic. On really cold days the key will not come out of
the ignition switch. In the off position you can push the key in but it
will not turn back one more notch to release.
BTW: she reports that if she takes a lighter to the key while it is stuck in
the switch it will release sooner.

David

 

You should first try having a new key made or if you have a back up key
that you have rarely ever used--try making use of that key for a week to
see if the problem is solved. If not, you will need to learn to live with
the problem or install a new ignition switch.

 

====================

Somebody has mistakenly put some dino-based lube into the lock. Hose it
out with a graphite-based lube and then work it a lot to flush the crud
out. Pure silicone would work too, but graphite (in an aerosol spray)
will work best and it's what real locksmiths use.

You'll have to wipe the key on a tissue the first few times because
graphite is black, and messy.

'Curly'

==================

 

If the car is an automatic, there is a solenoid as part of the ignition
lock assembly that will prevent you from removing the key unless the
transmission is in park. Perhaps this solenoid is getting gunked up and
sticking in the cold?

 

You're on the right track but the problem is actually the position switch at
the shifter. When it gets stuck, push the shifter forward hard into Park.
The key will then come out. Get the switch replaced as soon as possible.

 

spray some wd 40in there and wash out what ever is freezing in there. i
never heard of grease freezing so i would guess moisture is in there.
cheapest and easiest thing to do is first spray some wd 40

 

you guys should advise him to try wd 40. then try a product like gunk
penetrating oil. then try a new key, then try the hard stuff.

 

Hi,
WD40 is solvent. Not a good choice. Use graphite drops out of small
tube. Any parts store has it. Also make sure front wheels are straingt
not turned when parked.
Tony