Key can be taken out while driving...

[piercedpanda]

So this happened yesterday:
When driving off the highway, I suddenly noticed that my key was sticking out of the ignition a little bit to far.
So I pushed it back in, but thought "Hm, can I also pull it out?"
And so I did...
I can take the key out while driving.
Nothing happens, it's just weird.
I've tried a different key, but that had the same issue.

Is my ignition switch broken?

[guest7024]

So this happened yesterday:
When driving off the highway, I suddenly noticed that my key was sticking a little bit to far out of the ignition.
So I pushed it back in, but thought "Hm, can I also pull it out?"
And so I did...
I can take the key out while driving.
Nothing happens, it's just weird.
I've tried a different key, but that had the same issue.

Is my ignition switch broken?

Don't take out while driving steering lock could actually engage  just presume so.thing worn 

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[sparky Paul]

Sounds like just a faulty key barrel, rather than the ignition switch itself.

My guess is that someone in the past has had trouble with the barrel in the past, probably as a result of wear, and taken the barrel apart to remove the tumblers. I've seen this done with other cars, but it does usually mean that any similar key will turn the ignition. Fortunately, the immobiliser chip will prevent starting by a different key.

[piercedpanda]

Thanks for your replies.
But now, what to do ?
Replace the ignition switch ?
And if so, can the doors work with that new key too ?

[Jocko]

Personally, I would just live with it. Nobody can open the car. If they break a window, they cannot start the car. If you change the lock you will have different keys for the ignition and the door.. It is an old car. Do you really want the bother of changing it?

[MikeG1944]

Yes not worth the bother. A lot of newer cars are keyless with just a fob on the keyring with a chip that works the mobiliser. Just think of the keyslot as somewhere to park the key, and stop the steering lock engaging which could be disastrous!

[piercedpanda]

Yes not worth the bother. A lot of newer cars are keyless with just a fob on the keyring with a chip that works the mobiliser. Just think of the keyslot as somewhere to park the key, and stop the steering lock engaging which could be disastrous!

My only worry would be the key falling out of the ignition and then engaging the steering lock.
But the steering lock only locks when the car is not on contact, right ?

I think I'll get a keychain that's a little less heavy then

[Jocko]

You have to turn the key through auxiliary to off before you can engage the steering lock. If the ignition was accidentally turned to aux then the engine would die. Ignition doesn't turn back with key in, so why should it with key out.

[piercedpanda]

So, even with the key falling out, there's really nothing to worry about then ?

[VicW]

Presumably you have checked that with the engine running and the key removed you can still turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, not just a few degrees either way?

Vic.

[Jocko]

The key itself has no effect on the steering lock, It is the position of the barrel that matters. The barrel has to be in the Off position for the steering lock to operate. But do what Vic says. That way you can confirm it for yourself and feel safe. And remember, you are not going to be driving it with the key out, and as long as you don't have a huge bunch of keys trying to jiggle it out, it should stay more or less in place.

[guest6436]

I sometimes leave my car unlocked for days... sometimes with the key still inside in it when I want to leave it for someone else.
The joys of driving an old banger... I doubt anyone would be interested in worthless ''pensioner'' car.

[Jocko]

My brother, a police officer at the time, used to leave his old car open. He didn't leave the keys in it, but he said he would rather someone opened it and had a nose around than smashed a window, to do the same.
One night he thinks someone had slept in it, but never any damage.

[piercedpanda]

Presumably you have checked that with the engine running and the key removed you can still turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, not just a few degrees either way?

Vic.

I can turn it from lock to lock, as you mentioned.

[sparky Paul]

Yes, as Jocko says, it's the position of the key that locks the steering, so it should be okay.