Key stuck in ignition
 

Hi All,
I've had a '97 Polo w/ 50K miles and fixable front end damage for a while. My daughter's '97 Honda Accord was recently rear ended so, it I'm fixing up the '97 to get her into a safer car. I charged the battery and it started right up, but I can't remove the key from the ignition. That is, it won't move from the ACC to the LOCK position for removal, despite jiggling the key and manipulating the steering wheel and shifter. I can remove it with the manual pin under the steering column. I've read posts about the role of the key interlock system, the
interlock solenoid, and the shift Lock Unit involvement, but I'm stuck at removing the last steering column cover, the bottom one that wraps around the ignition barrel. Any tips on how to remove it without breaking it?

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

Maybe try spraying some WD-40 in next to the key and let it sit for a while before you try again

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

It does come right out when I push the release pin underneath the steering column so I think it's something active.. But to look at those things, I need to remove that bottom shroud piece and there doesn't seem to be enough room to remove it without removing the lower part of the dash

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

You are saying you tried unplugging the plug under the E Brake
I had to spray my plug with contact spray before it would work .

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

I didn't try that yet. I was actually trying to remove the plastic shroud underneath the steering column to look at the connections to the ignition switch but haven't figured out how to remove it without breaking it.
What is the connector under the e-brake for?

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

Try to find Shane Hobsons (I think) thread related to this not that long ago.

That connector is for the shifter release circuit

/T

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

Hmm.sounds like a wrong or very worn key, got another? I.e. If I mistakenly use the key for the other svx it will do that. For sure u checked shift interlock, etc.? Getting to the ign switch just to be sure all the gizmos are working and the ign mounting bolts are still tight not much else can be done. Changing the switch is a nightmare.

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

Re: Key stuck in ignition
 

I'll take a look at the connector. I did search the site and had read that thread.
I have a list of things to try now. The troubleshooting page for the transmission control section is interesting. I'm not sure that I understand everything on there but I'm going to give it a shot. I don't think that it's a worn key issue. The car only has 50K on the odo and the key doesn't look worn. It worked freely in the doors and the last time I started it, so I think that it's going to be related to one of the lock/interlock circuits...we'll see.