Key Stuck in Ignition

[FCO]

All,

I have a 72 240Z my key is stuck in the ignition. I have removed the ignition lock from the steering column. Any suggestion or recommendation on how to get the key out? Hate to have to buy a new ignition lock!

Thanks,

Francisco

[kenz240z]

Have you tried spraying a little penetrating oil between the key & the slot to see if that helps?

[esmit208]

FCO

Chances are even if you get it out it will not work reliably anymore. Plan on getting a new ignition switch. My switch went bad in my 81ZX. It wouldn't go in the ignition one day after I removed it and saw small metal pieces come out with it.

[Unkle]

More details - is the correct key jammed ?What position ? Is it turned , but now won't come back past the accessory position ? Has this key given trouble before ? Have you tried to force it yet with vise grips ?

A solution depends on the symptoms .

[Marshall]

The same thing happened to me. I was starting the car when the key just stopped after about a quarter turn. I couldn't turn it back to the off position or forward. I called a locksmith because I was stuck in a parking lot miles from home. He told me to tap the end of the key really solid, but not too hard, three of four times -- like I was driving a nail into a wall. He also cautioned that I should make sure I hit it square and not at an angle. It worked. the tumblers had jammed up inside and banging knocked them back in place. I gave it a blast of WD 40 when I got home. It's been about six months and I've not had any problems since. I make sure I keep it lubricated with a few drops of oil on the key now and then.

[FastWoman]

Marshall's suggestion sounds good, but if your ignition lock is doing this, it's probably in pretty bad shape anyway. Heck, you could start many of our old Z's with a house key, screwdriver, or perhaps even a popsicle stick. It would probably be a good investment to have new locks all around.

You can take your lock to a locksmith and have it fitted with a new tumbler for about $45. It will be like a new lock.

There was also a recent thread (perhaps a month ago) in which there was a link to a brand new, complete ignition lock (including switch) for maybe $60. That's a fantastic deal, and if you can find it, I'd jump on that one.

Whatever you do for the ignition lock, you can get a locksmith to rekey some door locks and a hatch lock for you, so that you have the same key all around. I think I bought a Nissan hatch lock (somewhat over $100), two Taiwanese door locks off Ebay (The locksmith told me all locks tend to be Taiwanese anyway) and a new Taiwanese ignition tumbler for a bit more than $200. I think he kept the hatch original, keyed the ignition to it, and rekeyed the doors to it. Money well spent!

Then juice your locks with WD-40 at least everytime you change the oil, to keep them in good condition.

[SteveJ]

I was the one who posted the link for the ignition switch. I think it went back up to $81 or so, but it's still the best deal I could find.

It was on Amazon

[Unkle]

Rule of thumb : never quote other trades prices if you're not in that particular trade . I can't believe how many times I see misquoted numbers ! Each scenario is different when it comes to , in this case , locksmithing .

[FastWoman]

Rule of thumb : never quote other trades prices if you're not in that particular trade . I can't believe how many times I see misquoted numbers ! Each scenario is different when it comes to , in this case , locksmithing .

Well, I guess I should have said you could take it to my locksmith. These are approximately the prices I paid.

[Unkle]

^ Yep no worries , just ''saying'' !

P.S. use anything with silicone in the spray , WD is just a ''Water Displacer'' !

Edited February 4, 2011 by Unkle