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

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

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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

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 .

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.

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

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

Edited February 4, 201114 yr by Unkle