Key stuck in ignition

[Tabitha]

Hi! I just bought a 2002 LE, have only had it for THREE days!...and my key is stuck in the ignition! I had a neighbor come over to take a look (he has a 2001 LE) and he said that my gear shift button is staying depressed (not "popping" out). Needless to say, I am stressed out about leaving my key in the car all night! You can drive it, it just isn't recognizing that it is in Park. I am not very car-savvy, but can anyone shed some light on this situation? Is it an easy fix? Is this a common problem?

Thanks so much!!
~~Tabitha in Virginia Beach

[Ian-PT-GT]

I have never heard of this in our cars. but the old camaros suffered from this same thing.

Try moving the stick all the way down to first gear, then go all the way to the front and see The parking lock will go to the correct possition.

[Tabitha]

Ian, thanks for your reply. I have jiggled it, moved it from 1st to Park a jillion times, turned the steering wheel every which way (it isn't locking by the way) and still nothing. It is an automatic transmission - figures since I am so used to my 5-speed Celica I have been driving for 10 years with no problems

~~Tabitha

[Kammler68]

I had the same thing happen to my Mitsubishi Mirage. I took it into the shop and they said the tumbler's pins in the ignition had developed a burr. They gave it a quick file and charged me twelve bucks.

[bobs turbo pt]

congrats on your new car !! sorry to hear about the problem, did you get it fixed?? what was it??

[PTModIT]

I had the same problem with my 2003 PT . what i did was move the the steering wheel down a little using the tilt lever . I think if the steering wheel is adjusted to far up the cable that goes from the steering column to the shifter binds . i havent had the problem since.[8D]

[TX02PT]

I had the same problem on my 2002, like PTModIt I temporarily fixed it by moving the column up and then pulling it out. I then took it to the dealer and they replaced something on thier. Sorry I can't be more specific, but it happened when I first got it last year.

[Grouch]

One trick that you haven't tried is move the key in and out very quickly with a little force. Just don't push too hard or you may damage the lock. If that doesn't work go to Office Depot or any big office supply and ask for some keyboard cleaner witch is nothing more than compressed air Shoot the air into the lock and move the key in and out. That should dislodge anything in the lock. If that doesn't work the lock is broken or the key is cut wrong. Hope you get it out