Ignition Key sticking in Winter

Now that it's getting colder, I've noticed that my key when I turn the
engine off. It will go to the accessory position, but not to the
'off' position (where I can remove it). I can remedy this by blowing
warm air into the ignition where the key is, or by blasting the
heaters, until the car is toasty (and thus, the ignition). I have a
CRX and Honda's already fixed the ignitor problem with that model.

What I think it may be is a bit of grease or something in the ignition
that is causing blockage until softened. If so, how can I fix this
without taking the thing in for $$ervice?

When it's cold, sometimes the car doesn't want to shift out of Park
(it's an automatic), although I don't know if the two are related.

TIA

 

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

See the thread above called "Cold Weather -Honda 1990 Question" You need
the cable length adjusted. Yes, the symptoms are related.

'Curly'

 

A reply in a similar thread from "darius" in the alt.autos.acura group has
this for us:

<quote>
I think your problem is the transmission selector switch. Here's some
info on it. You have to take apart the center console to get at the
switch, which is attached to the gear select lever mechanism.

--

The problem is with the shift position switch itself - the white box
on the right side of the shift lever. You'll notice that the contacts
are suspended by springs, and that there is also a spring loaded ball
in a sleve. Those parts are lubricated with grease, but over time the
grease gets hard and prevents free movement of these components.

So just take the switch apart, clean the parts and reapply some fresh
grease. Just make sure you align the switch and shift lever properly
when reinstalling - the ball will rest in the groove in the switch
when the lever is in Neutral.
<end quote>

 

If you're referring to the switch on the manual transmission end
can you explain the mechanism that that locks the key? I don't
a service manual to check this out.

My approach usually involves cleaning the switch and apply new
grease, a good preventative maintenance. The switch for the
automatic is inside the console and inside the cabin. If the problem
corrects itself when the heater is on maybe the problem is inside
the car.

http://square.cjb.cc/c/?ConsoleSwitch