Key stuck in 1992 4+3 ignition
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 877
Likes: 80
From: Frederick MD
Key stuck in 1992 4+3 ignition
I have been enjoying my new-to-me 1992 red convertible 4+3 since I got it on the road a couple weeks ago, the wife has also been enjoying it in the nice fall weather. Yesterday when I turned it off I could not get the key out of the ignition, it had stuck a bit in the past, but now it is stuck. It seems it is the cable that goes from the shifter to the column, since the steering does not get locked either. From what I saw this is a real pain to fix, has anybody found and easy way to resolve this?
Thanks,
Scott
Thanks,
Scott
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 877
Likes: 80
From: Frederick MD
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
The 4+3 was a manual transmission on early models of the C4.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
The cable on mine was locked up when I bought it. It drug, and I pushed it the rest of the way up and it stays there and the ignition works fine now.
Downside: you can remove it from park without the ignition on.
Downside: you can remove it from park without the ignition on.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 877
Likes: 80
From: Frederick MD
Thanks,
Scott
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
As I said though, it can be removed from park without the ignition, so be forewarned.
Last edited by confab; Oct 2, 2017 at 12:09 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 336
From: Greater Cincinnati Area.
PS: If yours isn't binding like mine is (Because that is what is holding the cable retracted right now) you can probably wire it or zip tie it in, and it will be fine with the exception of defeating the safety mechanism.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 128
Likes: 13
Partially remove the console to see the stamping, and lube the pivot with some motor oil. work the stamping back and forth until the spring moves the stamping by itself with ease'.
Hope this helps
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 877
Likes: 80
From: Frederick MD
All,
A bit over 2 years later, but an update! I have noticed if I push the shifter all the way forward the button stays down, if I pull it back about an 1/8" inch, the button clicks up and I can remove the key without issues!
Scott
A bit over 2 years later, but an update! I have noticed if I push the shifter all the way forward the button stays down, if I pull it back about an 1/8" inch, the button clicks up and I can remove the key without issues!
Scott