January 31, 200620 yr My daughter called from college. She can't get the key to release from ignition switch. Tried all the usual but no luck, shift in to park-out-in, rotate steering wheel etc. won't let go. Any ideas? 93 legacy wagon
February 1, 200620 yr Any previous symptoms of stickness? If so, probably the lock cylinder finally crapping out. Is it stuck in solid, or is there some play? Personally I'd try some graphite spray (get that plastic tube in there!) and try to pull the key in and out gently if there is some play. My daughter called from college. She can't get the key to release from ignition switch. Tried all the usual but no luck, shift in to park-out-in, rotate steering wheel etc. won't let go. Any ideas? 93 legacy wagon
February 1, 200620 yr Author Tried the graphite, no change. She said the auto seat belts don't work also. Thinking it might be in the shift, tried N and Park, no luck. Loose, just won't release.
February 1, 200620 yr Going fishin' here but ... check fuses (seat belts not working)... if automatic, isn't there a release switch of some sort in the shifter console used for when towing the vehicle to disengage tranny or did I just dream this up...
February 1, 200620 yr Author Checked fuses, tried the disengage button. Thanks, running out of options. Looks like a trip to a dealership.
February 1, 200620 yr There is a button underneath the steering column where the lock cylinder is that will allow you to remove the key when it's being depressed. (the owner's manual shows you where it is) The issue you are having is part of the key-interlock system, which is tied into the transmission being in park before you can remove the key. It's possible the switch at the shifter lever is bad, or possibly the controller box under the dash. Check out these scans regarding the system http://www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/swap/electrical.html#shiftlock
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