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)?

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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?

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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!

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/A1901C1D0F984735BA47CF93E2330CC1.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.)

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

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

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Well, I took another look and I believe I found the switch. (a little thin metal paddle?) From what I can tell, it seems to be broken as it will stick to the shifter grease and then fall when tapped. In other words, the spring seems to be shot.

I guess it will have to go into the shop since replacing the whole assembly is far more work than I want to attempt for a family car. [&o]

Thanks for the help.

Abc

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

hello babyhuey

with your help i was able to figure out a trick that works, i installed a toggle switch under the dashboard or in the small space just like a cellphone compartment, and wired it to the hazzard fuse, so i dont have to open the fuse box near the pedals and pull it out then back, just fine solder the ends of the two wire plug it in the fuse socket where you removed the fuse, cut/break one line, put the fuse in between (solder or better yet make a socket for it), run the wires trough the dash and flip the switch when removing the key. also as an update you can use a push button switch so you wont forget to flip it back to ON when driving and wonder why you dont have signal lights hhehehe,.. hmm ok right now im thinking of putting the switch just beside the ignition key area so it may look like some other cars that you push the button to release the key hmm hehehe. how about that guys. :) make it safe ok.

alright ill see you guys again and to you babyhuey THANKS A LOT and GOD BLESS :)

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

That is a very clever idea osenessmpv.[sm=goodidea.gif]. Also a good idea to use a push button momentary switch so you will not forget to turn it back on.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Babyhuey,

I'm having the same problem. Where can I find that part retail (I'm having trouble locating anything online)?

To confess, I had problems with the pop-up camper lights today and believe I may have caused a short by being sloppy with the di-electric grease. Right after that, I had a brake light out and this problem began. Could that have caused it? I've been through the fuse panels and cannot find anything blown, and the hazard light fuse trick works perfectly, so I'm guessing it's this combo switch.

Thanks!

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

What year MPV do you have sprybot. There are different part numbers depending upon model year. It may be possible that shorting something in the trailer harness could affect the park switch but an outside chance. Since we have had so many with this problem of late I did a bit of investigating into ways you could check for sure and even disable without pulling fuses etc.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

It's a 2003 MPV.

Everything else seems fine, so I was a little confused about a short causing such a specific issue without blowing a fuse, but the timing was pretty suprising. We had stopped for fuel and found a signal light out on the camper. The bulb seemd okay, so I tested some things and added the grease. Turns out it was the bulb after all, but after that moment, we couldn't remove the key and I later found a brake light out on the van itself.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Here is a way to eliminate everything else being a possible cause of stuck ignition key. About 5 inches straight forward of the ignition switch on the passenger side of the steering column is a connector with six wires in it. Three of them are black. First pic below is of that connector with the steering column covers off and lower panel loose and pulled down. Pic taken from seat area and you can see the relation of the connector to the ignition switch. Second pic is from the bottom with camera resting on the brake pedal. Easy access as you can see. Unplug that connector. If key can now be removed then the problem absolutely has to be a faulty park switch in the change lever assembly. If key cannot now be removed then problem is somewhere else. You could actually do a similar thing with installing a separate toggle or push button that osenessmpv used with the hazard fuse. His toggle interupted the power supply to the solenoid itself. Snipping and installing a toggle or switch at this connector wire would actually simulate the actual switch. The wire color at this connector for the park switch is Blue on 2000 and 2001 models. For 2002 and up you would want to use the Brown w/ White stripe wire. Shorting this wire to ground will simulate a Not In Park condition and not being able to remove the key. Not connected to ground would simulate an In Park condition and would allow you to remove the key. The other two colored wires are from the O/D OFF switch and is Black w/ Red stripe wire, Wire from the shift lock solenoid is White w/ Red stripe and is the solenoid that keeps you from taking out of Park position unless key is on and foot is on brake pedal. The other three wires in this connector are all black and are ground wires for each of these switches and solenoids.
Now if you do want to go ahead and fix the problem by installing a new change lever assembly then part number for 2000 and 2001 MPV's is LC62-46-10XE with MSRP of $246.90. 2002-2004 would be a LD47-46-10XB with MSRP of $250.40.
Pic from seat area
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/E9EA3905B15B41CCA4B2DAA3F5C07360.jpg[/IMG]
Pic from floorboard area
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/EAAAE072EB864B05A32CD892281B4F97.jpg[/IMG]

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

I am a new member on the forum. Thanks for all the helpful advice. The forum is a Godsend now just as I remember it when I made the decision to purchase the MPV 3 years ago. The ignition key in my wife's 2003 MPV just became stuck this afternoon. I disconnected the plug and corrected the problem. However, the power sliding rear doors do not work. I can understand the logic of these two issues being connected, but I needed a sanity check to be sure. If it is as I suspect, I assume the only way to correct it would be to change the $250 lever assembly. I am a mechanical engineer with a good bit of mechanical aptitude. What would be involved in changing this lever assembly? I guess what I am asking is if it would be too difficult for someone who is not a trained mechanic? Would you give me a basic run through of the steps it will take to change this part before I decide to take on this task myself? Thanks in advance for the info.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

The power sliding doors get a park signal off of this switch too. Replacing the change control lever is not a difficult procedure.I did one this evening so I could get some pics and step by step. Give a check back tomorrow when I have some more time to type in a story and download the pics. Total R and R time took approximately 15-20 minutes.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

That sounds great! Thanks a bunch! The wife will be excited to get the power doors back. Looking forward to your next post.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Tools you will need to replace the change control lever with park position microswitch so you can remove your key like normal people.
#2 phillips screwdriver
very small flat screwdriver or small prying device
ratchet and 4" or 6" extension
10mm, 12mm, and 21mm socket

First thing to do is to disconnect the negative battery cable and wait at least 5 minutes for the air bag backup battery to deplete stored energy. You will be removing the drivers air bag and this will make it safe to do so. Go grab a beer or something.:D



[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/D341C80DA3984DC7A640E5B8C1E2B020.jpg[/IMG]
Remove these small hole covers on both sides of the steering wheel with small flat screwdriver.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/F028F2495A244B9680EC40670171813D.jpg[/IMG]
Use 10mm socket to remove both of the bolt heads that are under the hole covers. If horn honks then you did not disconnect the battery cable so get-er-done.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/E00F25A22B6D481AAAAF3B2140D85828.jpg[/IMG]
Pull the air bag out and turn it air bag over and use the small flat screwdriver to pry the BLACK portion of this connector up. It should pop up approx 1/4 of an inch and the connector will easily come loose. Do not pry on the orange or yellow connector part with out releasing the BLACK lock in tab or it will break!!
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/CEA25C25C5FE4AB8BB85DC7B97170B0C.jpg[/IMG]
Use ratchet, extension, and 21mm socket to remove the large nut in the center of the steering wheel. Turn nut counterclockwise while holding steering wheel to remove. Release the connector I am pointing to. Notice that I have marked a yellow, vertical line on the steering wheel and steering shaft. This is so you can easily reinstall the steering wheel in the original position so steering wheel is not off-center to one side. Grasp the steering wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock and rock back and forth to release steering wheel from shaft. If is being stubborn then alternate between grasping at 12 and 6 o'clock position. If you have a steering wheel puller handy all the better. Make note of how the wires feed thru the hole in steering wheel as you remove. Use a piece of tape to keep the clockspring from turning.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/391ACEBB05F34E7BB7AF4453AE4D939E.jpg[/IMG]
Now remove the steering column covers. To remove the upper cover just lift straight up. It will unsnap from the lower cover. Remove lower column cover by removing the three screws that retain it. The one more towards front of van is a different color and thread so make note of that for reinstalling.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Continued from last post

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/359C3D51A6D64DFD8C2CAB5AAC673A74.jpg[/IMG]
From underneath, use a 12mm socket to remove this nut. Mark nuts position on the cable so it can be reinstalled in same place. You will see that the slot it goes on is elongated for adjustment. Pull off cable and set aside. This is the cable that runs to the transmission for changing from Park to Drive to Reverse, etc.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/0B0082193FE641619A710A9C55D256B5.jpg[/IMG]
Back up top remove the three phillips screws that hold the clockspring. Note that I have used a piece of tape to keep the clockspring from turning. Will just make it quicker to reinstall later. If you think it might have turned already then there is a reseting procedure printed right on the front. I did not disconnect the electrical connectors for this as it easily pulled toward you and off of the steering shaft. Can just let it hang there.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/CD4A7E20BE7F40808C1DC515442A2464.jpg[/IMG]
3 more phillips screws to remove the combination switch. These screws are different then the ones you just removed so make a note of that. Again, did not remove connectors but easily pulled toward you and off the steering shaft.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/3B66A776832042C58EEE4FF4294A832A.jpg[/IMG]
If you have not already unplugged this connector for the change control switches then now is the time to do that.
[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/D1D3FA8D6AF748D8B6632A3295C0BBE2.jpg[/IMG]
Use 10mm socket to remove the two nuts on left side and one bolt on right side that retain the change control assembly to steering shaft. Pull straight off toward you and you are halfway there..:D

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

continued. Last one I promise.

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/6AC5A1EF4DD24C6EB427284B1A31CAB0.jpg[/IMG]
And there is the offending microswitch that cost you all that time and money. Looks like a little 25 cent part doesn't it. If you have a new change control assembly to install then reverse the order that you took them apart. Not all that bad eh?
Oh, and make sure to give that switch a good whack with something heavy for making you go thru all of this.:D

[IMG]local://upfiles/1377/75E3E76A5C53448F94E54B0F28470F5A.gif[/IMG]
One last diagram that may show how to release the stopper plate on the air bag connector. Make sure that when you reinstall the connectors (They are color coded and will only fit in one direction by the way), That you press that black stopper plate in untill it is flush with flat of connector or the air bag light will be on first time you start it up.

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Not too intimidating (the wife lost all confidence in me when I showed her the pictures LOL!). Thanks for taking the time to help me out. If you were close enough, I would buy you a nice dinner somewhere.

Once again, THANKS!

Brad

RE: Stuck Ignition Key
 

Restore the confidence Brad by making the repair seem easy. It really is an easy thing to replace. I put in so many pics just to be as specific as possible.Thought of reducing down to just 5 as that is all you can download in a single post but thought that the extra views would help out and make much easier to do. The hardest part was probably getting the steering wheel to release from the shaft, otherwise just a matter of removing a few screws and bolts. If you have any difficulty at all then give a post back and will help all I can.
Dinner would be nice but I would rather get a post back from you saying that all went well and the MPV is back to normal. That would be a much greater reward to me.:)