Key stuck in ignition...

[lochenjons]

1970 charger with a 383 and 727. Center console shifter. I’ve read so far about the “reverse lockout” where the key only comes out in reverse, and I’ve read about issues related to the linkage but my linkage seems to be ok? I’ve tried pushing the shifter in different directions while in each gear and trying to get the key out but it’s sill stuck in the “run” position. Like any other vehicle would be if you were in gear and tried to take the key out. I’ve got a manual but I just want to see if there’s any tips or things to look for that you guys could share with me. Thanks

 

[steve340]

Assuming everything in your car is stock and connected correctly. The key only comes out in the lock position of the ignition switch. From what I understand you shift to park or reverse gear on a standard shift turn the ignition tumbler to the lock position and you can remove the key.
If this does not happen you have a problem in the shift linkage or the column itself.

 

[Don Frelier]

Try some lube like fogging oil or WD-40

 

[dadsbee]

Grab the lower column collar in front of the instrument cluster and twist it CCW while in Park and if it turns you'll get your key out and you need to adjust your "lock out" linkage.

 

[69a100]

The key is on the column, is it not? If so, jiggle the steering wheel L & R while trying to remove key. Good Luck

 

[lochenjons]

Key is on the column yes, but the steering wheel is not locked in place (like on all my 80's chevy pickups). I have done the jiggle steering wheel back and forth trick many times on older vehicles and it works, but not this time. I tried rotating the collar, that didnt work. Looking in the manual now for any info on the lockout linkage.

 

[lochenjons]

Looks like I'll be messing with this later today !

 

[dadsbee]

Just pull the cotter pin on the link to the column "arm". Then try turning the collar as I noted earlier. Then you'll know if it's the linkage throw or the key mechanism itself !

 

[Shorthorse]

You mentioned in your first post, "but it’s sill stuck in the “run” position." Are you saying that the ignition switch/key is stuck in the run position and the switch/key will not rotate?

 

[lochenjons]

It's "Fixed", whoever replaced the motor (or zip tied the throttle pressure arm on the transmission back) probably was too lazy to put all the linkage back properly.

 

[Don Frelier]

Cool, but the round key is usually a trunk key.

 

[Runner 68]

Cool, but the round key is usually a trunk key.

 

[ckessel]

Doesn't the 70 b have a collar on the column that needs to rotate? Thought my 70 e had one.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Doesn't the 70 b have a collar on the column that needs to rotate? Thought my 70 e had one.

Since 71

 

[lochenjons]

Yeah I don't know how it's a round key... it works for the ignition and the passenger door... driver's side just might need some WD-40. Having a trunk key made tomorrow AM... it'll be the first time opening the trunk since I've had the car.......

 

[Don Frelier]

Hope I didn't sound harsh. Up until a couple years ago I had the original keys from my Charger that were fairly unused. They were perfect.
Somehow they got lost on the driveway, I think it was putting the car in the barn for the winter. Didn't find them for a couple years, they were usable but worn and weathered. That was always one of the cool little things about my car, but like many things I messed it up.
I suggested the lube earlier because about 5 years ago at Carlisle one day my trunk lock gave me trouble after working perfectly for 25 years.
On a whim I put some motor oil on the key stuck it in and out a few times, locked and unlocked it a few times and it's smooth as silk once again. So apparently a little oil every 49 years is the minimum service interval.
Great car what a fun project you've got.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

So apparently a little oil every 49 years is the minimum service interval.

LOL

on a side note I wouldn't use oil really, but graphite

 

[Nacho-RT74]