Key won't come out 99 OBW

[Subaru Jim Maple Ridge]

Finally get the motor together and in, all hooked up. Sounds sweet. But ignition key will not turn all the way back to lock. Acc, on and start are still in the proper position, but cannot remove key.

 

Is there a trick? Don't have the owners manual so pls advise. Thanks Jim.

[davebugs]

May not be fully into park.

[NorthWet]

Does the key move to the "off" position, but just won't come out? Not sure of the later models, but the earlier ('90-'92) models have a slot under the steering column, near the ignition lock, that allows you to move a little lever that manually operates the solenoid that retains the key. Stand on your head , search for the slot, insert a screwdriver and move the lever (may be a pin). I assume that you have already tried, but you could try moving the key to the on position, step on the brake, move gear selector out of Park, then reverse the procedure as if you were parking. Might cycle the interlock mechanism.

 

Oh, I believe that for the key to be released you do need battery power, so if your battery was not connected, this might be the problem.

[Subaru Jim Maple Ridge]

Shift mech seems good, is totally in park. Is there an interlock?, cable?, adjustable? Don't want to destroy a good column only to find out that it was something stupid. Thx Jim

[lmdew]

There is a 2 blade connector that is on the RH side of the steering column, its black. It goes to the key lock release coil, it has to be energized to release the key so it will go all the way to the off position.

 

Is your key in the off position?

[Subaru Jim Maple Ridge]

Problem solved. Turns out there is a switch located at the bottom of the shift lever, on the rod for the shift button. The car sat for a least a year. Lube sprayed directly down the lever loosened everything up, had to jiggle the shifter around park occasionally, but now key returns to lock position every time. Thanks for all the help. Jim