Door-only-key used for ignition

Aug 19, 2009 9 Replies

Hi there,



I have a door-only-key which my wife happened to use for ignition. Vehicle is Odyssey 2002.



Problem is key is stuck into the ignition switch and won't come out. I may turn it to ACCESSORY(I), ON(II), but it wouldn't START(III) nor go to LOCK(0).



So basically my car is unusable with that key being stuck in.



Any help is much appreciated. Thanks


Try moving the gearshift to park?

This sounds like a key that was cut by an inexperienced person at a hardware store. Odd are that it isn't the correct length and is fetching up inside the ignition switch. You can call a locksmith to remove it for you or you can simply take a pair of pliers and grasp the head of the key and twist it with force to the Lock position to remove it.

You may be able to start and drive the car if you hold your regular key (the chipped key) as close as possible to the ignition switch/door only key, then turn the door only key as you normally would.

peter.marnik wrote:

Al wrote in news:4a8bda6c$0$31281$ snipped-for-privacy@cv.net:

but the OP says the key wil not TURN into the "start" position.

perhaps turning the steering wheel some might free up the key to come out. (relieving pressure on the lock cylinder)

I solved it.

I called the locksmith that made the dummy key. He told me to cut the side of the key head so the key can be fully inserted into ignition switch. And it worked as a charm. Apparently that door-only-key was a little bit shorter and it didn't allow it revert it back to LOCK(0). Why it was shorter is out of my knowledge.

Cheers

That's a simple question to answer, the incorrect key blank was used when the key was cut for you, as I mentioned in my first response to you.

Brian Smith wrote in news:h6je31$le0$ snipped-for-privacy@news.datemas.de:

Considering the large number of very similarly-sized blanks commonly available, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often. I've had it happen to me.

When I get key copies made, I physically lay the original on top of the copy, plus I compare the thickness and the slot positions, making 100% certain that all the relevant dimensions and shapes are 100% identical between them /before/ leaving the shop.

I have too, Tegger. I had a locksmith come out to remove the key stuck in the ignition switch once, he used a pair of pliers as I described and the key was freed for a charge of $50.00. I learned my lesson.

It isn't rocket science and it doesn't take long to double check the newly cut key.

Thus spake Tegger :

For stuff that really counts (like OP), I mic the key in a couple of spots, for above reasons.

At least it wasn't an early model Escape (or the Mazda). You put the wrong key in there and it needs a tow and a $100 service call. Or at least it did until the class action suit.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required