can't remove key

carm · 03-31-2009, 04:20 AM

I have a ford fusion and can't get the key out of the ignition. It won't turn all the way to the left to the position where the key can be removed and the steering wheel won't lock. I'm thinking it has something to do with the shifter (automatic, center console). There must be something electronic that when you put it in park it allows the key to turn and lock the wheel at the same time. I just don't know where to start looking. Anyone ever have this problem?

treadhead · 03-31-2009, 12:59 PM

not sure about your particular car but most fords with center console shift have a switch that activates a mechanism in the column. switch should be accessible by removing, very carefully the cover plate around the shifter, should be a white plastic pressure switch you can manipulate to get the key to release. another thought. on my 08 Chev cobalt, the switch is on the bottom of the column behind a small plastic "cover" look at the bottom of the steering wheel hub, if there is a plastic piece that can be removed check under there. should be a "button" you can press and turn the key off.
with my car there is a service wright up about it from GM.
hope it helps. NOTE: I'd try the column first as you can easily damage the center console taking the cover off.

03-31-2009, 04:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
carm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 75 OS: xp	can't remove key I have a ford fusion and can't get the key out of the ignition. It won't turn all the way to the left to the position where the key can be removed and the steering wheel won't lock. I'm thinking it has something to do with the shifter (automatic, center console). There must be something electronic that when you put it in park it allows the key to turn and lock the wheel at the same time. I just don't know where to start looking. Anyone ever have this problem?

03-31-2009, 12:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
treadhead Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: West Sacramento Ca. Posts: 1 OS: winxp	Re: can't remove key not sure about your particular car but most fords with center console shift have a switch that activates a mechanism in the column. switch should be accessible by removing, very carefully the cover plate around the shifter, should be a white plastic pressure switch you can manipulate to get the key to release. another thought. on my 08 Chev cobalt, the switch is on the bottom of the column behind a small plastic "cover" look at the bottom of the steering wheel hub, if there is a plastic piece that can be removed check under there. should be a "button" you can press and turn the key off. with my car there is a service wright up about it from GM. hope it helps. NOTE: I'd try the column first as you can easily damage the center console taking the cover off.