Ignition won't release key

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Michael Abraham, Nov 25, 2005.

  1. In my 1990 Honda Accord EX R holds on to the key after turning the engine
    off. Sometimes it releases it after a minute. Sometimes it retains it until
    the next day. Sometimes not. My mechanic took the ignition apart, lubricated
    parts, but it made no difference. It's quite annoying.

    [to reply privately, remove the"x"]
     
    Michael Abraham, Nov 25, 2005
    #1
  2. Michael Abraham

    Jason Guest

    Does this happen with just one key or both keys?

    You may want to check http://www.alldata.com
    website to see if there has been any recalls related to this issue. I know
    that there was a recall related to the 1999 Honda Accord related to
    TSB number 02-031 Recall--Ignition switch replacement.
    Perhaps the same sort of repair will solve your problem..
     
    Jason, Nov 25, 2005
    #2
  3. The key itself may be worn. Try your valet key and/or a spare master key
    if you have one to see if it does the same thing with those keys.
     
    High Tech Misfit, Nov 25, 2005
    #3
  4. Not related. That recall had to do with cars shutting off without warning.
     
    High Tech Misfit, Nov 25, 2005
    #4
  5. The problem is consistent for both keys.

    Michael Abraham

     
    Michael Abraham, Nov 26, 2005
    #5
  6. Michael Abraham

    CCTGENE Guest

    A few years ago I bought a 91 Accord that did the same thing I finally went
    and had a new key cut at a Honda dealership and it worked like magic. Not
    sure if this will work in your case but it might be worth a try.
     
    CCTGENE, Nov 26, 2005
    #6
  7. Michael Abraham

    Burt S. Guest

    Sounds like an electronic problem. To troubleshoot disconnect the
    battery and the key should come out.

    The car probably uses an interlock device. The solution is to
    clean your console switch and/or the solenoid that holds the key.
    You can permanently disable the key interlock by disconnecting
    the two-pin connector on the ignition assembly, the one that
    holds the key in.
     
    Burt S., Nov 26, 2005
    #7
  8. Check out "Curly Q. Links" post in the "Cold weather -Honda 1990 question"
    thread.

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Nov 27, 2005
    #8
  9. My 1990 Honda Accord EX-R holds on to the key after turning the engine
    off. Sometimes it releases it after a minute. Sometimes it retains it
    until the next day. Sometimes not. My mechanic took the ignition apart,
    lubricated parts, but it made no difference. It's quite annoying.

    IN ADDITION TO THIS . . . the transmission locks. By accessing the trans.
    lock beside the shifter, with my spare key I can unlock it, but it's
    becoming increasingly annoying.

     
    Michael Abraham, Nov 28, 2005
    #9
  10. Michael Abraham

    J Poy Guest

    Have at look alt.autos.acura "1991 Integra Can't remove key" lots good info
    on this subject.

    Jay

     
    J Poy, Dec 1, 2005
    #10
  11. I had Honda cut a new key. This didn't solve the problem.

    When it holds on to the key the transmission may lock and the engine may not
    start. If I wait a few minutes or overnight the key will come out easily.


     
    Michael Abraham, Dec 1, 2005
    #11
  12. Michael Abraham

    Burt S. Guest

    If the selector is in park and won't start and key won't come out then
    that's the selector problem. Check out how to adjust the switch here.

    http://square.cjb.cc/c/?ConsoleSwitch
     
    Burt S., Dec 2, 2005
    #12
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