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Honda Pilot Key Won’t Come Out of Ignition

The Honda Pilot is a popular SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliable performance. However, some owners have reported an issue where the key won’t come out of the ignition. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you need to park your vehicle and can’t turn off the engine. In this article, we will explore the causes and fixes for this problem.

There are several reasons why a Honda Pilot key may get stuck in the ignition. One common cause is a faulty shifter mechanism. If the shifter is not fully engaged in the park position, the key may not be able to turn all the way to the off position.

Honda Pilot Steering Wheel

Another possible cause is a worn-out ignition cylinder. Over time, the pins and springs inside the cylinder can wear down, making it difficult to turn the key.

Fortunately, there are several solutions to this problem. Depending on the cause, you may be able to fix the issue yourself or you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic. In the next section, we will discuss some of the most common fixes for a Honda Pilot key that won’t come out of the ignition.

Common Causes for Honda Pilot Key Stuck in Ignition

Honda Pilot on top of a mountain

If you own a Honda Pilot, you might have experienced the frustration of having your key stuck in the ignition. This can be a common issue for many Honda Pilot owners, and there are several reasons why it might happen.

The most common causes of a Honda Pilot key getting stuck in the ignition, including a worn-out key, a faulty ignition lock cylinder, a damaged ignition switch, issues with the park lock cable, and a low or dead battery.

Worn Out Key

One of the most common reasons for a key getting stuck in the ignition is a worn-out key. Over time, the key can become worn out due to regular use. A worn-out key can cause the pins inside the ignition lock cylinder to get stuck, preventing the key from turning or coming out of the ignition. To solve this issue, you can get a new key made or get the existing key re-cut by a locksmith.

Faulty Ignition Lock Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is responsible for turning the ignition on and off. If the ignition lock cylinder is faulty or damaged, it can cause the key to get stuck in the ignition. A faulty ignition lock cylinder can also cause the key to turn but not start the engine. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the ignition lock cylinder.

Damaged Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is another component that can cause the key to get stuck in the ignition. If the ignition switch is damaged or malfunctioning, it can cause the key to get stuck or prevent the engine from starting. To fix this issue, you may need to replace the ignition switch.

Park Lock Cable Issues

The park lock cable is responsible for preventing the key from being removed from the ignition when the car is not in park. If there is an issue with the park lock cable, it can cause the key to get stuck in the ignition. To solve this issue, you may need to replace the park lock cable.

Battery Drain

A low or dead battery can also cause the key to get stuck in the ignition. If the battery is dead or the voltage is low, the electrical system may not function properly, causing the key to get stuck. To fix this issue, you may need to charge or replace the battery.

In summary, a Honda Pilot key getting stuck in the ignition can be caused by several reasons. It is important to identify the root cause of the issue to prevent it from happening in the future. If you are unable to fix the issue on your own, it is recommended to take your car to a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

How to Fix Honda Pilot Key Stuck in Ignition

Black Honda Pilot

If you’re having trouble removing the key from the ignition of your Honda Pilot, don’t worry – there are several common solutions that can help you fix the problem. These include inspecting and replacing a worn-out key, repairing or replacing a damaged ignition lock cylinder, checking and replacing a malfunctioning ignition switch, adjusting or replacing a misadjusted or damaged park lock cable, and charging or replacing a dead or low car battery.

Inspect and Replace Worn Out Key

If your key is worn out or damaged, it may not be able to turn the ignition cylinder properly. Inspect your key for signs of wear and replace it if necessary.

Repair or Replace Ignition Lock Cylinder

The ignition lock cylinder is the part of the ignition system that the key goes into. If it is damaged or worn out, it may not be able to turn properly, causing the key to get stuck. In this case, you may need to repair or replace the ignition lock cylinder.

The copyright owner of this article is Knowmyauto.com and was first published on Sep 29, 2023..

Check and Replace Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is the electrical component that allows your car to start. If it is malfunctioning, it may not be able to release the key from the ignition. Check and replace the ignition switch if necessary.

Adjust or Replace Park Lock Cable

The park lock cable is the mechanism that prevents the key from being removed from the ignition when the car is not in park. If it is misadjusted or damaged, it may prevent the key from being removed. Adjust or replace the park lock cable if necessary.

Charge or Replace Battery

If your car battery is dead or low on charge, it may prevent the key from being removed from the ignition. Charge or replace the battery if necessary.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the problem of your Honda Pilot key getting stuck in the ignition. If the problem persists, it may be a more serious issue that requires professional assistance.

Preventing Future Honda Pilot Ignition Issues

Honda Pilot parked in front of house

To avoid future ignition issues with your Honda Pilot, there are some simple steps you can take. Here are some tips to help prevent problems with your ignition:

KnowMyAuto is the sole owner of this article was published on Sep 29, 2023 and last updated on .

  • Keep your key and ignition clean: Dirt and debris can cause problems with the ignition mechanism, so it’s important to keep the key and ignition clean. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the key and ignition regularly.
  • Avoid using a heavy keychain: A heavy keychain can put extra stress on the ignition mechanism and cause it to wear out faster. Keep your keychain light and only carry the keys you need.
  • Use the correct key: Using the wrong key can cause damage to the ignition mechanism and lead to problems with the key getting stuck. Make sure you are using the correct key for your Honda Pilot.
  • Get regular maintenance: Regular maintenance can help catch problems with the ignition before they become serious. Make sure to take your Honda Pilot to a trusted mechanic for routine maintenance.

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent future ignition issues with your Honda Pilot.