Key stuck in ignition?

So yeah, every now and again, when I shut the KJ off and go to pull my key out of the ignition, it doesn't want to give it up. It's not because the steering wheel is locked when it happens either because I've experimented with that notion. Sometimes it takes me a few minutes to get my key out! I spoke to an aquantance who is a locksmith and he said that it seems to happen alot with the Libertys....anyone else had this happen?

Yup quite common,unfortunately. Related to shift interlock cable or solenoid in shift mechanism assembly. Can also be be a worn ignition key assembly.
Use the search in forums try in search "Key Stuck" or "Ignition Key" you will get some good reads and solutions! Here is one I was getting into!
http://www.jeepkj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=35927&highlight=stuck

It does happen a lot. I ended up replacing my shifter assembly. Kind of a crappy setup.

Good luck!

Oh okay. Well thanks! Guess I'll put that on my -to do eventually- list....lol. Hopefully it's not too expensive.

I would simply remove the console and check the cable that attaches ahead of the shifter on left side, and look for slack in cable then use adjuster as required. That is the BTSi cable better known as the Park Interlock cable. It wont let you remove the key cause it thinks it is not fully in park. Something could be fubar in the shifter assembly though and that may be expensive unless you find one at a wreck yard.

Just push in the key release button

Akedos said:

Just push in the key release button

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No key release button on automatic transmission equipped KJ's

Ry' N Jen said:

No key release button on automatic transmission equipped KJ's

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Well, there's the problem.

TomO said:

Well, there's the problem.

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Lol... exactly. And yes I do know that. Curious as to why that is though, but I suppose it is intended to be automated with the shifter going into park.

It's just the Jeep wanting to do some more wheeling!



(happens to me only after coming back from a wheeling trip.)

Mine happened close to home. Had it towed to the stealership. Diagnoses, broken lock cylinder. Dealer said the be prepared that these sometimes will break the whole ignition assembly and the fix would be to replace the steering column, at about $700.00.

Luck was with me and it was a $65.00 fix to replace the lock cylinder.