Key sticking in ignition

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 02 Jun 2014, 08:35

Just a quick one ... the key seems to be randomly sticking in the ignition of my new to me 98 s70. It seems to be totally random and intermittent. When it happens it can be corrected by running through the start, transmission in drive, back in park and then shutdown sequence. Is it possibly connected to the shift interlock? My hope is that it is not the sign of a soon to fail ignition tumbler assembly. Any thoughts?

Post by **cn90** » 02 Jun 2014, 09:26

Likely bad tumbler.

I sent you a PM.

Post by **mikealder** » 02 Jun 2014, 10:32

Is the release trigger sticking in on the auto selector knob, often this causes the key to become trapped, try flicking the trigger on the selector knob next time the key gets trapped - Best approach is to remove the gear knob and spray some PTFE lube spray (I use GT85 but not too sure if that is avail in the USA) in to the area around the trigger lever, work it in then clean up any excess spray before refitting to the car - Mike

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 02 Jun 2014, 23:38

Sticky shifter knob release button - Most common.
Sticky Shiftlock Override button - Usually not intermittent.

Or - just maybe -
The cable that both of the above are connected to the ignition switch with.
It can stretch over time, but may be adjusted at the shifter console end.

If none of these apply, you may be in for a new ignition lock. No Fun...

TriFlow - Great PTFE lube in the US.

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 03 Jun 2014, 05:09

Preliminary analysis suggests ... A sticky shifter button. I checked it yesterday and noticed that it was not fully releasing. It has been lubed up with teflon spray and is now moving freely. If the problem doesn't return we can call it solved. Thanks once again for the insights.

hanzbe420 · Post by **hanzbe420** » 03 Jun 2014, 05:45

i dunno if it was my 850 but under the steering wheel it was a trip release for the key or something if it gets stuck. look up on this cause it might of been a subaru lol. anyways gl

shegarty · Post by **shegarty** » 24 Jun 2014, 12:11

Well, the lube only worked for a short period of time as the tabs holding the bottom pin in were completely busted. I was able to find two good replacement buttons (complete units) at the wreckers along with a few other bits and bobs. The replacement was pretty easy and because I had a complete unit on hand I decided to replace the whole thing instead of the just the button. There is a great write-up here on how to replace just the button (iPd also has instructions here) - once you remove the button you can simply pry out the other half of the mechanism with a screwdriver. As they say installation is the reverse of removal. Once again thanks to forum users for their input