Has anybody had problems removing their ignition key?

Mine got stuck in the switch - tried all the usual tricks with the steering wheel and transmission - still wouldn't come out.

The dealer finally got it out - although not easily.

The key was a duplicate which was made using the key code - not a tracing machine.

I had a key copied from an original, and it got stuck as well. I had a bugger of a time removing it. It seemed like the entire tumbler assembly moved with it, and I thought that I'd be ordering a new assembly. It works, but I only use the original keys from now on. Pity.

Same thing happened to me with a copy from the original. I thought I was going to break the d@*$ thing off in the ignition. The copy will unlock the doors but not lock them. Good thing I only had it made as a hide a key anyway.

My spare was traced, and it feels like it's going to break off in the ignition as well. My dealership wasn't able to find the original keys for the car when I bought it. All they had was one master and one remote. So, I'm stuck with no valet and a spare key that sucks.

So how does one get another "original"?

its happened to me with the original

Thanks for the responses - I thought a key made from the key code was supposed to be as good as the originals - but I guess not.

I noticed that the original keys have a slight bevel at the tip on both sides which the copies don't.

kn5owa

This post has been edited by kn5owa: Jun 15 2006, 06:00 PM

I'm resurrecting this thread from the past since I just had my key stuck in my ignition. I hope my experience can be transferred to others who may have the unforunate frustration of getting their key stuck in the ignition switch.

I took my '07 Sonata into the dealer to have this problem looked at. The key would not turn any further (counterclockwise) past the ACC position when the shift lever was in "P". The dealer's original assessment was that I was crazy since they were able to pull the key out. After I was able to re-create the problem, they retracted that statement.

They then proceeded to mention that they will "deburr" and grind down my key. It's a solution not to different from what was posted here earlier. I'm sure in many cases, it will help. For my case though, this was not the problem.

The reason I'm posting here is because my problem was unrelated to the key itself. It was the mechanism that connects the lock solenoid to the shift lever. When you put the lever into "P" and it slides completely left into the "P" position, if you listen carefully, you'll hear an slight "click" as the lever settles left. This "click" is what allows the ignition key to turn counterclockwise from ACC to LOCK. If the lever is not solidly in the "P" detent, you will NOT be able to turn the key from ACC to LOCK.

Apparently, the lever pivots and cable in my Sonata were not "lubed" enough. This caused the pivots in the shifting mechanism to not fully engage the switch in "P", thus preventing the lock solenoid from releasing.

The moral of this story is: if your key is stuck, and you're sure it's not something you did, slide the lever side to side in "P". If you don't hear that slight click as the lever moves all the way to the left, that may be the cause. (It could also be the lock solenoid itself, but that's a topic for another time that will hopefully never come.)

I'd also keep this TSB in mind as they're all somewhat related/tied together.

How about when you stick a key in, and the steering column stays locked. This happens in many Cars, but the Sonata has done it, you jiggle the steering wheel to the right I believe, but one day I'm going to break a Key in the Ignition.

I have had the stuck key problem since Dec. 06. The ignition cylinder was replaced last week. That didn't help so it's back at the dealer today. Thanks for the information on the lubrication solution. I just faxed it to the service department. The worst part is that everyone thinks I'm crazy since the key always comes out at the dealer. I'm tired of having to leave the key stuck on ACC while I shop. For about 4 months the Sonata didn't have the problem but it's back with a vengeance.

For some reason I rarely have the problem in the morning when I drive to work but on the way home it's my lucky day if the key comes out of the ignition. Thanks for posting your information.

1. I love revived threads that feature that wooden dummy MOTD. :rant2:

2. BTW what do you do about locking the car when the key is in the ACC position? I feel another Saturday post coming up. :w00t:

I leave the car unlocked and hope someone steals it while I'm shopping! The dealer says they can't fix it since they have no idea what the problem is. They also claim they can't duplicate the problem. Of course when I drove home from the dealer tonight the key was stuck for the 4th day in a row. I don't think they tried very hard.

Hope you have State Farm Ins. and don't leave anything of importance in the car. Seems State Farm takes care of their own.

:banana: