Key stuck in ignition switch upside down...cant get it out

[elevenssc]

Any suggestions on how to get the "upside down" key out of the switch"?  It is about 3/4 the way in.  I'm thinking the switch assembly is coming out of the steering column...but then what???
(always looking for an opportunity to learn more )

[hemiken]

If the housing of the column is not twisted inline the key will not come out, you have to straighten the housing to its original position for it to release.  Try that and let us know if it worked

[elevenssc]

Nope...

It's stuck in there pretty solid regardless of where the housing is at...

[hemiken]

Is the column still in its original mounting position bolted to the floor/firewall ?

[elevenssc]

Yes, Original column, original installation

[hemiken]

Does the key push back in ?  try spray some lubricant in the key hole.

[elevenssc]

I'll give that a try tomorrow...I'll let you know how it goes

Thanks for the help!!!

[hemiken]

No worries, sometime if the housing where the key goes in is not quit lined up right you can be stuck trying to pull the key out, or it could just be frozen from age and dirt.  Goodluck

[Chryco Psycho]

this is one of the flaws of the Mopar ign , when the key is inserted upside down the buzzer lever locks into the key , you have to slide a thin piece of spring steel either beside the key or under it to depress the buzzer lever & release the key , I have tool to do this , I am not sure what you will be able to make work

[willard]

I had the same problem, an idiot in the port tried to put the key upside down into ignition and it was locked. I sprayed it with wd40 and then inserted a straightened paper clip and after a couple of tries it worked.

[bb71challenger]

Wow, guess I have better luck than I thought. In all my mopar years I have never had that happen. Sounds like it sucks though and I hope it comes out easily for you.

[elevenssc]

Tried the WD40 thing and no-go...The key is stuck pretty good. 

The buzzer lever makes sense.  I'm guessing that the lever rides on the bottom of the correctly installed key, which is flat.  Now that I've installed the key "teeth down", the lever is engaging the teeth, locking the key in place preventing removal.

I'll give the straightened paperclip a shot.  I'll let you know how things go.

On a separate note...I really appreciate the knowledge "on tap" at this site, and the members willing to share that knowledge.  I am constantly amazed and inspired by the friendly interactions and never ending knowledge.  Thanks 

[elevenssc]

HA-LA-LU-YIA!!!!!!!  The paper clip trick worked!!!!!   

Thanks Willard and Chryco Psycho for the paper clip info!!

For future reference, use the small paperclips.  The big ones were too big and didn't fit in the switch next to the key.

What a relief...   I had visions of spending time and money I dont have tearing out the steering column and replacing the tumbler and key.  ( I really dont like changing perfectly good parts when I dont have to...)

Thanks a bunch!!!

[Chryco Psycho]

worst case you may have to pull the top of the column apart to get to the buzzer lever & you can easily move it out of the way from inside the column to release the key . if you just pull hard on it you will break the key in the lock & still have the saem problem only worse so do not do that

 Glad to help out

[Chryco Psycho]

 
 nevermind