Stuck Ignition Key

I am unable to remove the ignition key on my 2001 MPV because it stops at the accessory position. If I remove the 1GKEY1 40 amp fuse, i.e., kill the power to the switch, I am then able to fully rotate and remove the key. As soon as the fuse is re-inserted, the problem also re-occurs. Does anyone know why this is happening or how to fix it (i.e., do parts have to be replaced)?

There is definetly some weird problem on your MPV. The key interlock circuit is provided power thru the BTN fuse and also the HAZARD fuse which is a battery supply circuit. The IGKEY1 circuit supplies power thru key cylinder to most everything else once key is cycled to run or start. Does not look to be any direct connection between the two looking at wiring diagram. Try pulling the HAZARD fuse and see what happens.

Removing the Hazard fuse also allows the key to be fully rotated and removed. Replace it, and the problem comes back. Is there a solenoid that needs to be replaced, or is it the entire lock mechanism?

Solenoid possible. Entire lock not likely. The key interlock solenoid is obviouly ok as it is doing its job and keeping you from removing your key. Power is supplied to the solenoid thru the Hazard fuse at all times. The ground for the solenoid is provided thru the microcomputer in the instrument cluster. If computer sees the key is on and the gear selector is in anything but 'park' it grounds the solenoid and key is stuck. So you either have a ground in the harness between the interlock solenoid and the instrument cluster or the instrument cluster is not getting the signal that you are in park. Does the gear selector indicator in the instrument cluster show the correct gear that you are in. (ie when in park is the 'P' underlined or highlighted in the instrument panel? That would tell us that the instrument cluster is indeed getting a "gear is in park' signal.

Yes. The instrument cluster displays the gear that is selected by the shift lever.

Thanks for return post rk2976. Have been thinking about this problem over the weekend and have a thought. If any other techs out there then try and help me out. Do not think you have a short in the harness due to pulling the IGKEY1 fuse also eliminated the problem. Since this circuit is not related to Key interlock then pulling this fuse 'killed' the instrument cluster but did not affect the Interlock circuit. If there was a short in this circuit then pulling the IGKEY1 would have no effect on the Key Interlock if it was shorted to ground in the harness since it is supplied power thru the Hazard fuse. Therefore there must be a fault in the instrument cluster logic. The correct gear is displayed so I would assume that Cluster is getting correct signal from trans range sensor but is still suppling ground for the key interlock despite getting the signal for being in Park. I think you have a fault in the Instrument Cluster computer. Wish I could give it a check before advising a replace of instrument cluster but this is best I can come up with. Maybe is time to take to dealer or trusted shop and give them the info that you have given to posts. They should be able to come up with an answer based on what we have talked about so far. If you wil PM you Vin # and mileage I will call Mazda tech line to see if they have run across this before and what others have done to repair. Sorry for rambling but putting the info to words helps me work out remote problem that I am unable to test for myself.

Saw this same problem posted on car-forums.com but there was no response. VIN is JM3LW28Y310207525.

Sorry but do you know you mileage as well. They always ask and I see you are currently on this topic as well. You sure do not have many warranty repairs listed. Only see two keyless transmitters in may and june of 2003 and then the cruise control cable for recall 2004f on 1/18/05. mileage there was 45139 so could use that and add some if needed. Dang warranty expired on 10/29/04 or we could be doing this under warranty

Sorry 55,296. Rather than keep draining the battery (I was pulling the fuse only at night), I decided to take it to the dealer. I don't expect a fix today, just a diagnosis. They claimed they had not heard of the problem before. I suggested they save themselves some time and call Mazda.

Okay. Mazda says the Transmission Control Module (TCM) is failing, and an indication that the car is in Park is not being sent. The module must be replaced at a cost of $586. The only alternative is to disable the control which would allow the key to be removed in any gear. I'll bite the bullet given the variety drivers in the family, and the desire to keep the vehicle several more years. You were on the right track. Thanks for all your help!

Do not agree with your dealers diagnose. #1 you do not have a TCM. Trans control is performed by the PCM. #2 the park signal that the instrument cluster uses to determine key interlock is not from the PCM. There is a 'park' microswitch on the selector lever assembly that cluster uses to determine if key interlock or shifter interlock solenoids should be operated. I have an 01 MPV in my stall right now and disabled this switch and exactly duplicated your concern. The switch is part of the selector lever assembly and does not come separately. I show retail for this part at $270 or so.

I had the same problem, it is a mechanical issue. There is a microswitch that detects the shift is in P. For some reason the pin in the shift mechanism misses the microswitch and it does not disconnect the solenoid to release the key. I took it appart and bended a bit the microswitch flap so it will not miss the pin. Never had the problem again. Sorry I saw the posting only now. I am a new member, was looking for some other stuff and saw this posting.

Dan,
Is that Pin easy to get at? I have the same problem and would like to fix it myself if possible. Is there any links or how to's or pictures of where/what it looks like. That would be great news if I could fix it for the wifey..

Thanks,
MIke

yeah me to have the same problem, since i couldnt get it off, it drains the battery and have to jumpstart it everymorning, and as usual the elctronics acting weired, the alarms doesnt operate, ill try to find that microswitch that i could flip??? i still have no idea where to find it....anyone...thanks

helloo, how do i get in to what you have gone fixing so far, where is that microswitch, im starting to open the steering panel stuff, and im still looking for it. hopefully i could get in a while, but if you could tell me how it would be greatly appreciated...anyway if i get on it ill let you all know

If you take off only the upper column cover and look on the combination switch towards top and way on the backside you will see 2 wires running to a little black protrusion. This is the back side of the microswitch. Will see if I cannot get a pic of the front side and the little trip trigger part. Is very difficult to see.

I have found it and my linkage is hitting the switch just fine. Is there a way to disable it? I read here it could be that Microswitch or the TCM (I found that on the passenger side under the glove box). Just wondering how to proceed. Right now I am popping out the fuse to get the keys out.

Thanks,
MIKE

What year MPV do you have Grapepot? Assume that is at least a 2002 as you have a TCM under the carpet at drivers footwell. The TCM plays no role at all in the key interlock system. The instrument cluster both gets the signal from that Park position microswitch and controls the solenoid that locks the key in. If you want to repair then you will need to replace the combination switch as I noted earlier in the thread. If you only want to disable then is an easy process but remember that your key will now be removeable in any gear position.
Is a simple matter of locating the connector for the shift lock solenoid and disconnecting. The connector is over on the left side of the steering column just above the ignition switch connector. Pic below is of the connector. Has two wires coming from the harness side. One is Orange and other is Yellow w/ Green stripe. Unplug that connector and key interlock will be disabled.


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My MPV is a 2001. I saw instructions for the TCM reboot or something and found it on the passenger side. I am assuming it is the TCM.. LOL..

I'll try and disengage it for now. How difficult is it to replace?

THANKS for the tips and the pic.. That is a GREAT help.

Mike

2001 MPV should have the PCM and TCM integrated into one control unit behind the glovebox area. Would have a single 104 pin connector secured to the PCM with a 10mm head bolt. 02 MY saw the separation of the TCM and was then installed just at the carpet line in the passenger footwell and has two separate connector to it.
It is not difficult at all to replace the combo switch. 10mm socket and ratchet to remove air bag, 21mm socket to remove steering wheel, and the rest should all be phillips screws. If you need I can do a trial removal on our 04 shop van with some pics. Might be a little different but probably not too much.

I appreciate the offer, but I can live with just disconnecting it (which I did yesterday, simple with your instructions/pics)..

Thanks so much for the help, now I can go back to driving my car and the wife gets the MPV back.

Mike

PS. I'll definitely be back here for future problems.

I have a 2001 MPV with the same problem. It must be a chronic problem with this year/model. Anyhow, I have the top column cover off and am looking for the microswitch to check the contacts. I think I have found it on the far-upper-back-right, but see no obvious way to remove it. I'd be HUGELY grateful if someone could post pics/instructions for how to remove and inspect it.

My local Mazda dealer is "sub-par" and I'd love to fix this myself.

Thanks,
Abc

(How sub-par you ask? After four visits in a row to address an "Engine" dash light, they assured me each time that it was fixed and the light was off. Each time the light was on. I didn't bother with a fifth visit.)

That would definitely be considered sub-par. Have you since resolved this 'engine' light on? You could disconnect the connector for the microswitch and do a continuity check but unplugging the connector for the key interock solenoid will pretty much tell you the same thing. The switch provides the ground path for the solenoid. The microswitch is unfortunately not available as a separate part to replace although you might be able to locate a similar switch from an electronic specialty store. Will see I can get you some removal tips but will probably intail removing the combo switch as there is not a whole lot of room to work in there as I am sure you know.

My wife's MPV, 2002, just developed the same problem. I did find if I "slam" it into park, the key will come out. Guess I will pull the top of the coloumn for now and pull that switch. Thanks for the pic, should make my life much easier.

Hi babyhuey,

No, I never did get the dash light issue resolved. They replaced an oxygen sensor but I think forgot to turn off the light. I'm going to try a different dealer, inconveniently farther away, and hopefully have better luck.

Anyhow, I still haven't been able to fix the stuck key problem except by taking out the hazards fuse which, of course, disables the turn indicators. I'll take another look at it today, but any further advice would be helpful.

Abc