I have a 98 Toyota camry LE L4 engine. I got into a car accident and am trying to fix the car myself. So far I have replaced the radiator, lowere control arm, lower ball joint, and shifter cable. I am having a problem with the ignition key. I can stick the key in the ignition and start the car but when I try to take out the key, it wont come out. The only way it will come out is if I disconnect the battery. Anyone got a clue what it could be. Do I just need to replace the igntion lock?

 

Make sure that you are firmly in park. You ignition may be worn or even may be loose moving. Sometimes the ignition can shift and turn a little further than normal and wont allow the key to remove. If the key is worn the ignition may be worn also however the radio turning on tells me that the ignition may also have shifted a little.
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There is an electric key interlock solenoid that may not be turning off, hence the need to pull the battery cable.

Check to make sure the shift lock control switch switch is wired up OK. Are the brakes lights on, if so check the switch or wiring. The switch is tied into the key circuit and is always powered, even if the key is off.

 

Hello everyone my key will not come out of the ignition I have narrowed down the issue, when I remove one of the battery terminal I can remove the key but soon as I put back the battery terminal and insert key I'm back with the same problem...please help!

Thank you in advance

Btw how can I tell if the eclectic key interlock solenoid is working?

 

Year of car?

 

1997 Camry 4cyl

 

The ign key is tied to the gear shift system (if automatic). The interlock system prevents the key from being removed if the trans shift lever is not in Park.

The trans has a switch located behind the shift lever on the trans housing (follow shifter cable in engine compartment to lever and switch). This switch tells the shift interlock if the shift lever is in Park (among other things).

Perhaps the wiring at the switch is damaged which prevents the interlock solenoid from turning off.

Since you can remove the key if the battery is disconnected, the interlock device in the key switch may not be turning off when the gear is in Park.

Check the wiring at the switch on the trans.

 

Thanks Joey will try it tomorrow!! I'll keep you posted.