1998 Honda Passport key stuck in ignition

LOWITTY

MEMBER
1998 HONDA PASSPORT
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
107,000 MILES

My key is stuck in the ignition. I am able to turn the key to start and stop the car but am unable to turn the key beyond the acc stop to remove the key. I have read about other people having this problem and your answer and others. I dont work on cars and my question is do I take it to a locksmith or a Honda dealer because I have read about both. If I need the ignition switch replaced or if it is in the Park switch or if both need replacing what can I expect the cost to be. I dont want to be taken advantage of financially. I already went to the dealer and the first words out of their mouth was "the best we can do for you is $98.00 for diagnostics and go from there." My feeling is I already know more than they were willing to even mention by going on line in 2 minutes, I am female and dont work on cars and I felt I know more than they acted like they knew about the problem already. Please give me more information so I have a better idea of what to expect. Thanks. Oh, and by the way, I am periodically able to get it out by playing around with the gear shift. I dont know if it has to do with the button or the base that the shift is in. (Hope that makes sense)

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi lowitty,

Thank you for the donation.

Your problem seems to be caused by the interlock system and it could be the solenoid sticking or out of adjustment. This should not be a job for the locksmith but rather a mechanical or electrical fault of the interlock system.

Costings would vary depending on what the problem is. Some adjustment might solve the problem or it might require replacement of some solenoids/switches or linkages.

When the key gets stuck, turn the ignition to ON and check if the P indicator light is ON. If not, it should be the park position switch that is fauty or out of adjustment. Try shifting to reverse and back to Park again several time, each time checking if the Park light is showing. Once the P light shows, if removing the key works, you need to adjust the gearshift position switch and test again. If it is still intermittent, yhe switch needs to be replaced.