Three days ago my key was stuck in the ignition on my 2008 Kia Sedona. I could start it. I could shut it off and the key would turn to the acc. position but it wouldn't go to lock so I could pull the key out. I unhooked the battery cable and the key came right out everytime.
I called service departments at two different dealerships and they were no help. One dealership told me the switch was in the transmission and he thought they would have to go in deep to fix it. The other one told me it was either in the ignition switch or it was an electrical issue they would have to track down. I guess the last one was kind of right but this is how I fixed it. Just understand my problem might be different than yours. This worked for me and I feel it's worth trying. It wasn't a hard fix once I dug in and found the problem.
I want to say that this is just for "Informational Purposes Only". Even though this should be an easy enough of a fix just understand "I am not responsible for accidents." Use your head and you should be fine.
Getting started,
1. I took the trim cover off around the gear shift. It just pops off but still be careful not to force it or you will break it. No need to unhook the wires once it is off. Just let it hang to the passenger side out of the way.
2. Hook your battery up if it isn't already. This might sound strange to some because normally you unhook your battery before working on a car but you need power to check this problem.
3. (O)Make sure your PARKING BRAKE is set.(O)
4. Locate the key release microswitch under the left side of the black cover plate that has Park, Rev., Neutral, and Drive on it. Between the cover plate that I just mentioned and the interior molded console itself is where I could see the microswitch but only with a flashlight. It's actually mounted under the area where the P, R, N, and D are located on the cover plate so while sitting in the driver seat you will need to bend down with your light and look up under the cover plate. (If you don't see it try this.) Turn your key on and press the brake to release the gear shift button. While looking under the cover plate and pushing the gear shift button repeatedly you can see the parts under the cover plate pushing up on the microswitch.
(Here is where I noticed my problem. When I let go of the gear shift button there is a plastic piece that pushes up on the lever of the microswitch making it close the circuit. The problem was the plastic piece wasn't pushing the metal lever of the switch "far enough" to close it. I fixed it like this.)
5. I reached in with a small long screwdriver and placed the screwdriver under the middle of the metal lever on the microswitch. With another small screwdriver I reached in and pushed in the end of the lever down just slightly. It will bend easily. Make sure to hold pressure up with the first screwdriver against the middle of the metal lever to keep it from bending back at the switch. I was afraid it could break the switch if I hadn't done that. It took a couple of tries not to bend it too much.
6. Try pushing the gear shift button now and release it.
If done right the switch should close. I could hear a relay click in the ignition switch when it closed. The key then pulled out everytime like there was no issue.
7. If it worked put the the trim cover back on and I hope you never have any problems with it again.
If it didn't work try engaging the switch with a screw driver and see if you hear the clicking in the ignition. (Make sure your battery is hooked up for this or your wasting your time. I'm just saying.) If it doesn't make a clicking sound or if your key still doesn't remove than it has to be either that this microswitch is faulty, ignition switch or something else completely. At that point hope you have a good service department where you live.
I couldn't find anything anywhere on the web that helped with this issue so I hope this does help someone else who has been in a bind. Good Luck!
I seriously could kiss you! you just saved me from throwing away a good $500 on people who said they would try to fix it but didnt know what was wrong! showed my husband this and got it working! Thank you so so so much! your a life saver!!!!!!!
thank you for taking the time of writting all this.. I am going to check it out later and Ill update. :)
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Disconnect the battery and the key should release.
Make sure there is nothing stuck within the transmission shifting compartment that would prohibit it from going FULLY into park.
Within the transmission shifter lever compartment there are a couple of
screws and a pin that can come loose and the ignition will not
recognizing the vehicle is in the park position, therefore the key
cannot be removed.
This may have nothing to do with the ignition switch. I've also read people solving this [problem by checking their wiring. Some were loose. But either way, I'm guessing you car doesnt know it is in park.
I found the issue was the T-Handle jumped the rail. I followed the directions JH listed to remove the key which were very helpful. Once I was able to see the micro-switch it was obvious the rod in the shifter had not returned to the upper position. I removed the two Phillips head screws on the T-Handle, pulled up and the rod went back into place. I expect this occur I was playing with the "sport" shifter earlier in the day.
If you can not get key out. You need to replace the ignition switch cylinder assembly.
If your steering wheel is locked, you need to grab the steering wheel and turn it in the direction it is locked (it will move only one way so give it a good amount of pressure and it should allow you (while turnining the wheel to release your key) So in other words try turning your steering wheel either even further to the right or even further to the left. Please report back if i helped you out.
Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/matthew_d24b835e574ef6ca
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I'm having the same problem. I had my 07 Sorrento inspected today, and the mechanic couldn't take the key out. He hooked up his diagnostic equipment, but found no problem. It's as if the car is not in park, but the computer sees that park is engaged. The steering wheel turns freely as well. I can't lock the doors with the key left in the ignition. Any help? Thanks. Dave
my key is stuck in the ignition of my 07 Kia sportage how do I get it out or there any solutions
I experience my key getting locked in the ignition of a 2011 Kia Sorento LX it was stuck in the ACC position. My 80 year old uncle took his pocket knife out of his pocket and tapped underneath where the key goes into the ignition the key came out not once but twice. As far as replacing the ignition you have to order the part from the dealership know that the part comes with two keys that fit the ignition it will not fit the doors to lock and unlock the doors you will have to use your old key to unlock your doors the dealership will lead you to believe you have to rekey your old key to fit the new ignition. I asked what do they do with the 2 keys that come with the new ignition part they said they break the keys I think it is my option if I want my keys broken or just carry two keys one for the ignition and one for the doors. That way it saves me for paying for a locksmith to rekey my old key to fit my new ignition part when the new ignition part comes with two keys.
Thank you so much. 2012 Kia. Been trying everything to remove the key. Removed to positive cable from the battery, turned like starting it and turned it off and the key came right out. Some electronic ignition switch defective I guess.
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