My key seems to be stuck in my 1996 Discovery. I have searched for solutions but havent found one yet that works. Most i read included pulling fuses and things of that nature. It has been working fine up until today. I am really dumbfounded at what it could be.

any ideas/solutions

thanks
chandler

 

You do know to push in and then twist correct?

 

I tried that. Will not push in to turn to the 0 position so the key will come out

 

Okay well you can try to spray a little lube in it, also try turning the wheel slightly side to side to take any pressure from the steering lock off the ignition switch while trying to turn the key.

 

Man I have already tried that as well. Could it have something to do with it being a key copy and not the factory key???

 

I'd take the plastic column cover off then and inspect it you can remove it entirely by using a flat head screw driver to punch the security screws loose. Then it's just a matter of electrical connections and you can then have it on a work bench. Aftermarket ignition switches are like 50-65.00.

 

Where do you suggest sourcing it from?

 

Lucky8, Ebay, Atlantic British, or Rovers North

 

I had to work on my ignition switch because my darn key wore out, and the little brass tabs were also worn out, and my wife is not as patient as I am fidgeting with the key to start the truck.

If you can't push in, there are several little bits in there that could break. Key In switch, Neutral shift interlock, anti-pull out mechanism. Some can be deleted, if you don't mind, and the brass tabs removed or filed down smooth with the barrel. Lots of soft brass, plastic, and pot metal in there. Mine works great now.

When I was shopping, I found mechanisms for D2s, but not D1s. I found the switch at the end, but not the key mechanism. Let us know what you find, please.

 

I keep my worst key copy in the truck for emergencies. I use it when I'm too lazy to go back inside and grab the "real" key (which is really just a better copy). And it usually gets stuck and I kick myself for having used it. Last week I could NOT get it out. Worse than normal. Could turn the ignition on and off, but couldn't twist it all the way back to get the key out. Left it there for a while. When I came back later I put the transmission into park and removed the key. What an idiot.

I'm not saying you're as dumb as I am, but I'd recommend starting it, putting it through the gears and jamming the shifter into Park really well. And try it again. I think I recall people getting keys stuck when the shift mechanism electrical bits get out of whack.