Q: Key getting stuck in ignition of a 2002 Mazda MPV
My key will not come out of the ignition without me having to disconnect the battery to release it. My automatic sliding door also went out at the same time that the key started getting stuck.
Hello. There is a safety interlock switch in the gear select linkage system. It prevents key removal if the vehicle is not in Park. If that switch is misaligned, has failed, or its connector is dirty or has failed, the interlock control unit is tricked into thinking you’re not in Park, and it will prevent key removal. It’s called the transmission range switch (TRS) and is mechanically linked to the shift console via a cable. The link setup is adjustable at the transmission interface.
Normal linkage wear and tear can eventually de-index the linkage to the point where, while the shift lever is in Park, the transmission range switch position is still in the Reverse sector, so the key is locked into the ignition. I suggest hiring a qualified technician to repair your stuck key.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Transmission lurches when car shifts from 1st to 2nd and 3rd gear
There are two possibilities. This could be caused by internal wear in the transmission. Fluid level and condition should be checked. If the fluid level is low or smells burnt it may be an indication of an overhaul needing to...
I bent my rear sway bar pretty bad. Had it replaced, but the wheel is still a little bent. What else can be the problem?
Hi there. The rear wheel being out of alignment, could be the result of a bent strut assembly (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/strut-assembly-replacement), a bent trailing/control arm (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement), a bent bearing knuckle and/or bent rear subframe. Replacing components without diagnosis can be expensive and...
Car overheating, new water pump, new radiator, head gasket is good. Why is it overheating?
This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement), or a failing coolant fan switch. As you may know the coolant fan switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-relay-replacement) helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature...
Driver side power seat seams to only want to move back on one side creating a pivoting motion
This issue is common enough that YourMechanic (https://www.yourmechanic.com) has devoted a diagnostic and service page to this problem of faults in power seats (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-seat-is-not-working-inspection). Indeed, if you simply request a power seat diagnostic (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-seat-is-not-working-inspection) the responding certified mechanic will promptly...
Loud ticking noise and doesnt seem to want to go
It doesn't sound good. Loud noises associated with a power loss could be pointing to serious engine damage. You should stop driving the car now and get somebody to look at this thing to make sure things don't go from...
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground...
My car struggles to accelerate at times, especially after making a complete stop and attempting to accelerate.
Check engine compression and intake vacuum to first rule out possible mechanical problems such as stuck or leaking valves. Among the causes of poor acceleration (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-slow-to-accelerate-inspection) are clogged fuel injectors and/or inadequate fuel pressure/volume. When an injector is clogged it...
Coolant circulation issues Impala LS 3.8L.
Hi Adrian. Thanks for contacting us today. Typically, when a water pump goes bad, it's the inner seals that fail, which leads to bearing failure and overall water pump failure. This will produce a slow leak of coolant. This video...
The master warning light as well as the low tire pressure light is on what does this mean?
The tire pressure light is an indication that there is a tire low on air or there is a failed sensor in one of the tires and should check to see if any tire is low on air first and...
Related articles
What Causes Spark Plugs to Wear Out?
Without operational spark plugs, your engine won’t run. If even just one plug were to fail, the change in functionality would...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2013 Mazda CX-5
Key Key Features The Mazda CX-5 has a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine that offers 155 hp at 6,000 rpm. The fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel...
How to Start a Prius
The The Toyota Prius was a game changer when it was first introduced back in 2000. As one of the first commercially successful hybrid vehicles, it eventually helped launch an entire hybrid industry. The hybrid engine was not the only...
Browse other content
Services
Estimates
Cities