key stuck in ignition for nissan max

Apr 15, 2006 5 Replies

Hello, My key is stuck in the ignition. The first problem I was having was the key would not turn over. So then I had a lock smith guy come out and fix the ignition. He got it to turn over but when I got home that night the key just would not come out....it is still stuck in the ignition. Some times the key will come out only if I push the shifter really hard or step on the break really hard. Also before the locksmith had gotten there that night I also had released the shift lock button on the shifter. can you please help me? do you think it could be a chip of some kind?



No other remedy but spray in thin lube. If that doesnt help, goto locksmith, get new key. If that doesnt help, lock has to be replaced. Neighbors piano pedal helps as much as brake pedal, shifter: no relation. ... Chip? only metal chips block a stock lock.

Wiikinki wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@no-mx.carstalk.net:

Actually the shifter can be the problem. There is a cable running from the shifter to the ignition key. It's function is to unlock the key release mechanism when the shifter is in park. It is a mechanical cable, not electrical. perhaps the cable is out of adjustment or needs some lube.

Also try moving the steering wheel. The key also locks it and if there is pressure against it can make the key hard to remove. You didn't mention which year the max is, I think older ones had a button you had to press to release the key, newer ones you had to press the key in as you were turning it...

Gary K

Which kind of vehicle ?

  1. Shifter can be a problem, yes. But, not on Maxima stuck ign key.

  1. 3gen, 4gen Maximas: no mech connection with ign sw-selector. No steel wire.

  2. 5gen: 2002 FSM page AT-276 diplays selector-tranny wire. No mech connection with ign sw-selector. No steel wire.

  1. Electrical gearselector inhibit solenoid - yes, on US models. Brake pedal de/activated.

Btw. snipped-for-privacy@sbcglobal.net doesnt define his helicopter type, year model... This means that anybdy knowing any facts of his/her vehicle, has to be friend or have unearthly capabilities.

US version 4th gen Max (95-99) with automatic trans definitely DOES have a mechanical interlock cable running from the ignition switch to the shifter.

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