Key stuck in ignition barrel.

[Daniel Robert Salmon Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel Robert Salmon]

Hi guys, I'm a newbie to the forum. Great place to come for all things Prado. I have an '04 120 gxl auto and my problem is my key sometimes sticks in the ignition. I had the sloppy gear selector problem around Easter last year, pulled the black (plastic) box apart and changed the bullet pin thingy that guides the selector into place. After I done this, I couldn't turn my ignition all the way off. played around with it for a while and found if I press the shift lock and put the car into gear, then back into P, it would turn all the way off and then I could remove my key. This no longer seems to work. I am thinking about calling a locksmith to see if he can do anything, as I am dreading going to the stealership. If you guys have any experience in this matter, please share with me. I am sorry if this has already been posted, but over 1500 threads is a lot to sort through. Cheers in advance.

[Guest Close Guest]

Is the park light on dash illuminating ?
Sounds like you have knocked the park selector switch out of adjustment this in turn releases the key retention solenoid.

[Daniel Robert Salmon Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel Robert Salmon]

Yes, the light is illuminated. forgive my ignorance, but what should I be looking at when you refer to the selector switch??

[Guest Close Guest]

Key stuck in ignition barrel.

The gear shift has to be in park to release the key. If that switch is not aligned/ or is damaged then it will be causing the symptoms you say.
The fact you state you had it apart doing the pin, is pointing to a possible issue with it after being put back together.

[Daniel Robert Salmon Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel Robert Salmon]

Ok, I'll check that out and get back to ya. Thanks for your help.

[Daniel Robert Salmon Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel Robert Salmon]

hooray, I fixed it. Ill post a couple of pics of a before and after shot. not much to it though. First, you can see the curled clip that hits the solenoid to release the key. It wasn't catching on the gear selector. Second pic is of my expert bending of said clip, so it connects with selector every time ;-)

[Daniel Robert Salmon Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Daniel Robert Salmon]

Thank you for pointing me in the right direction Piggy, you're a champ. Hopefully these pics can help someone with the same issue. Peace.

[Guest Close Guest]

Glad to hear the issue is sorted.

[kpunk Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close kpunk]

sorry for reviving an old post guys, but my curled clip actually fell off completely and I'm wondering how I can get it back in place?

[Guest Close Guest]

sorry for reviving an old post guys, but my curled clip actually fell off completely and I'm wondering how I can get it back in place?

If you are talking the curled piece on the gear selector switch in the pics, you will need to replace the switch. The curled lever is part of it.