I have a 1990 Honda Accord. When the temperature gets below, say -10C, the key gets stuck in the ignition. It never gets stuck when the temperature is warmer.
I am able to turn the engine off, but the key won’t rotate past that first stage. I have tried putting WD-40 on my key, but that hasn’t helped.
I friend told me the problem might be electrical, but I haven’t really found much on the Web or Usenet about this, so I really need your help!
Why is my key getting stuck? And how can I fix it?
There should be some kind of lock that keeps you from removing your key when the car isn’t in Park. This lock used to be controlled by a linkage from the shifter, but it might be an electric solenoid on your Honda.
Whatever the type I’ll bet that this is sticking. If the lock is electrical, then the Park switch on the transmission may be getting stuck. After all, the keyswitch is kept warm inside the cabin.
The ignition lock cylinder is a mechanical device. On some cars there is a metal rod linkage between the cylinder and the ignition switch. On some cars,and I think your Honda is this type, the switch is directly coupled to the cylinder. If you have to replace the unit be prepaired to pay for it. My Honda a 1981 Civic had a price of 140.00$ US just for the part over the counter. My car was old enough that I found a complete steering column used price 40$ US. Easyer to swap a whole column too.
Sounds like you could just use some lubricant in the ignition key slot.
On a vaguely related note… I once had an old '66 Mustang convertible, it was a junker I bought for parts, but I drove it around occasionally. One day I stuck the key in the ignition, and a big blast of sparks came out. The key was welded into place and I couldn’t get it out of the lock. And then suddenly smoke started rolling down out of the dashboard. I hopped out and ran. Smoke rolled out from under the hood, then it stopped. Once I was convinced the damn thing wasn’t going to explode, I checked under the hood, and almost all the insulation was burned off all the wires. I hastily pulled off one of the battery wires and called for a tow truck.
So… don’t mess with a bad ignition switch…