Key won't come out of ignition

[drifts135]

I need this resolved asap please as this is my dd.

Well, I was trying to adjust my hub adapter for my steering wheel but eventually gave up after I couldn't get it to budge using the same methods I did with my steering wheel. I went to take my key out of the ignition and the button to press in and turn the key out would only budge slightly.

The button to press to get the key out was definitely not going in all of the way, therefore I couldn't turn my key to 'lock' and pull my key out. After a ton of scared shitless frustration I was able to get it out and I don't know how.

So I put everything back together and got my car back to normal and decided to see if the problem fixed itself. It hadn't.

My key keeps getting stuck and I have to turn the key while hitting the button at the exact same time with a ball point hammer in order to get the key out.

Also, I took apart my steering column trim to see if anything had fallen or was loose and I didn't see anything. However, my ignition cylinder was moving around a lot. I could also pull the button with my finger in and out and hear it making a tiny clicking sound when I did so.

So can someone please tell me why my ignition button is jamming and how I can fix it? Thanks.

(Side note, I have a feeling if the button takes a good knock with the hammer it will maybe pop back and the button will be normal again but I am afraid of the reprecussions of being wrong and am not 100% sure exactly on how the cylinder works. <looking at an fsm now>)

[JVD]

I believe there is some kind of cable or something. Search. I can't remember exactly what it is. Sorry.

http://www.zilvia.net/f/search.php?searchid=855801

Is your car an auto?

[drifts135]

No, manual. sr s13 if you want to be exact. I know I've seen this problem before and I was searching around on a couple forums but came up empty handed.

The cylinder is also able to move up and down about a .25-.5" now.

[JVD]

No, manual. sr s13 if you want to be exact. I know I've seen this problem before and I was searching around on a couple forums but came up empty handed.

The cylinder is also able to move up and down about a .25-.5" now.
Hmmm... sorry I couldn't help. I'm sure someone else will have an answer for you. Good luck!

[drifts135]

I appreciate it.

What actually would be a huge help though, is if someone could point me to where in the FSM it talks about the ignition cylinder and the locking button mechanism. I have found the sections about the steering column and the starter, but can't find anything about the ignition cylinder specifically. IF ANYONE COULD POINT ME TO THAT SECTION I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

Thanks again.

[drifts135]

anyone else got a clue?

[breakindrifts]

Your battery isnt dead is it?
If the battery isn't connected the key will NOT come out of the cylinder.

[LB.Motoring]

jiggggle like a mofo!!!!!!!!

hahah or follow the above statment..

[drifts135]

Believe me, I've tried all of the possibilities for turning the steering wheel and fiddling with the key and none of them work. The only way for me to get the key out is if I hit the button with a ball point hammer and turn the key at the same time.

I drove the car last night so the battery isn't dead. I've checked all of the basics and they haven't lead me anywhere. The problem lies within the cylinder and the button locking mechanism.

Could someone please tell me or give me some direction on what I may need to do when I take off the steering column trim this morning? Also, could anyone please answer my question, if I take out the button locking mechanism will that only diminish the locking mechanism for the final turn of the key to the 'lock' position to pull the key out or will the key be able to now be pulled out while the car is turned on?

[ledzeppelin240]

Hmm...I would say that the key lock mechanism is broken, just get a new ignition cylinder. I have one you could buy and I am sure a lot of other people do should you need one.

[drifts135]

Fixed it. Thanks anyway everyone.