Key stuck in ignition switch
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
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Key stuck in ignition switch
My young lad just picked up a 2004 F150 4x4. While fixing it up we have encountered a weird problem. The key goes in , starts and runs the truck but cannot be removed, unless you unhook the battery. Its got me scratching my head. Anybody else heard of this?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
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From: St Louis
The key removal inhibit solenoid isn't releasing.
Is the truck equipped with a floor shifter (center console) or column shifter?
In the meantime, you should be able to remove fuse F102 to allow the key to be removed.
Is the truck equipped with a floor shifter (center console) or column shifter?
In the meantime, you should be able to remove fuse F102 to allow the key to be removed.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,785
Likes: 2,595
From: The Shenandoah Valley
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
Thanks Projectsho89, I have never heard of such a thing. I called a local dealer and they said the same thing. It has a column shifter (automatic transmission). We did notice a little unit right underneath the starter switch and tried unplugging the wires. Where do suppose that solenoid is located?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
The solenoid itself is built into the ignition switch. It's probably not your problem, though. It's controlled by a microswitch built into the brake/shifter safety interlock or its harness. The switch is supposed to be open when it senses the shift lever is in PARK which de-energizes the solenoid and releases the key. When the shift lever is not sensed in PARK, the switch is closed and applies a ground to the low side of the inhibit solenoid via a yellow wire which retains the key in position.
Most likely either the shifter isn't hitting that switch due to a mechanical misalignment or wear or the switch is defective and isn't opening when the shifter is placed in PARK. You can permanently defeat the interlock by clipping that yellow wire. Otherwise, you'll likely need to replace the brake shift interlock assembly or harness or you could be creative and install a manual override switch.
Most likely either the shifter isn't hitting that switch due to a mechanical misalignment or wear or the switch is defective and isn't opening when the shifter is placed in PARK. You can permanently defeat the interlock by clipping that yellow wire. Otherwise, you'll likely need to replace the brake shift interlock assembly or harness or you could be creative and install a manual override switch.
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