Key Trapped In Ignition: Discussion

Under certain conditions, a FOB with Integrated Key (FOBIK) can become trapped in the mechanical ignition switch of the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN). The FOBIK must be able to rotate the ignition switch to the LOCK position before it is allowed to be removed. The WIN uses a gated park switch input to control an internal key lock solenoid, which controls whether the FOBIK can be rotated to the LOCK position. When the gearshift lever is not in the PARK position, the gated park switch is a closed circuit, the key lock solenoid is energized and the FOBIK cannot be rotated to the LOCK position for removal.

The automatic transmission or transaxle is shifted mechanically through a cable from the gearshift lever mechanism to the transmission or transaxle valve body. The gated park switch is physically located on and integral to the gearshift lever mechanism and is hard wired directly to the WIN. The gated park switch is a simple plunger-like actuated open or closed contact switch that could be considered redundant to the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) except that it monitors the position selected with the gearshift lever, while the TRS monitors the position or gear of the transmission or transaxle that is actually engaged. A damaged or improperly adjusted gearshift cable could result in a different gear being engaged than that which is selected.

CONDITION	POSSIBLE CAUSES	CORRECTION
CANNOT TURN FOBIK TO LOCK POSITION	1. Damaged, binding or improperly adjusted gearshift cable.	1. Inspect and replace or adjust gearshift cable, if required.
	2. Damaged or binding gearshift lever mechanism.	2. Inspect and replace or adjust gearshift lever mechanism.
	3. No gated park switch input to WIN.	3. Use a diagnostic scan tool with software release version 8.05 or greater to read and confirm no gated park switch input to the WIN. Refer to the appropriate CONDITION that follows.
	4. Key lock solenoid (WIN) unresponsive to gated park switch input.	4. Use a diagnostic scan tool with software release version 8.05 or greater to read and confirm gated park switch input to the WIN. Refer to the appropriate CONDITION that follows.
NO GATED PARK SWITCH INPUT	1. Open TRS park signal circuit.	1. Repair the open TRS park signal circuit between the gated park switch (gearshift lever mechanism) and the WIN, if required
NO GATED PARK SWITCH INPUT	2. Damaged or ineffective gated park switch.	2. Replace the damaged or ineffective gated park switch (gearshift lever mechanism), if required.
KEY LOCK SOLENOID UNRESPONSIVE TO GATED PARK SWITCH INPUT	1. Damaged or ineffective key lock solenoid.	1. Replace the damaged or ineffective key lock solenoid (WIN), if required.