[Keylocked]

Hello,

I drive a 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback with a manual transmission. The key is locked in the ignition, and I can not get it out. I've tried wiggling just about everything I can, and this key just will not come out. It is stuck acc spot. The car can still be turned on and drives.

I've read through the owner's manual, and it says that there is a Key interlock release in the steering column. I've unscrewed the cover under the steering column but can not find any key interlock release. The manual does say that the key interlock release is only for Automatic Transmissions, but I drive a Manual Transmission.

Every site I've found online only solves this problem for a AT not MT. Would anyone be able to help?


:chair:

~Thank you.

 

[Iceman112]

Did you try turning the steering wheel to the left and/or right (with some force!). Sometimes the position of it will lock the key in.

 

[MudRunner]

Yeah, you may have to rock the wheel back and forth while twisting the key to get it loose (or at least, I had a newer scooby do this last summer during a detail job).

 

[good dog]

Seeing that you can start and drive the car I don't think that it can have anything to do with the steering lock, but I can be wrong.

I'm surprised that the manual cars do not have the ignition release.
Looking at my manual from my 99 Forester it does say for manual transmission vehicles ; "The key can be turned from 'ACC' to 'LOCK' only when the key is pushed in while turning it."

Next suggestion would be try spraying a little lube around the key hole, maybe some of the lube will drip in and free some of the parts up, if that could allow the key to be pushed in a little bit more.

I'm just throwing this out there for now but try disconnecting the battery, drain any reserve power, pump brakes, turn lights on (interior and exterior) etc. wait about 15 minutes then reconnect the battery. I doubt that it will affect anything but you never know if power to the ignition might be causing it to stick(?):huh::crazy::shake:I'd be trying anything at this point.

Do let us know if you find a solution that works, it'll help us help others.
Good Luck

 

[craigbhp]

Your manual transmission Forester will not have the lock. I would try some wd-40 and try to wiggle it out. If you get it out get a new key cut don't try to put it back in there. If you can't get it out you may need to replace the lock cylinder.

 

[keydiver]

Chances are your worn copy of a key has jammed a wafer. Specially if you have been wiggling it to get it turn after putting it in. A good auto locksmith should be able to replace the lock, cut you a factory key and key new lock to the doors.

 

[NormSubie]

Chances are your worn copy of a key has jammed a wafer. Specially if you have been wiggling it to get it turn after putting it in. A good auto locksmith should be able to replace the lock, cut you a factory key and key new lock to the doors.

Yeah, agree...had this happen to another car. Time for a new switch (and key).

 

[ddavidv]

Our '96 Impreza did this a few times. Eventually it wouldn't let the key out at all and we had to have the ignition switch replaced.

 

[good dog]

Well I guess we'll never know the outcome. Keylocked has been on-line since members have offered the above suggestions but has not updated this thread.:icon_frown: