Honda Car Forum

I have a 1990 Honda Accord that will not release the key when it is cold
outside. I put it in park but the light on the dash doesn't light up that
it is in park. I have to wait until the "P" lights up then I can take the
keys out.
Any suggestions? I was going to check the switch that tells the system it
is in park but I dont know where to find it.

comptrman wrote:
>
> I have a 1990 Honda Accord that will not release the key when it is cold
> outside. I put it in park but the light on the dash doesn't light up that
> it is in park. I have to wait until the "P" lights up then I can take the
> keys out.
> Any suggestions? I was going to check the switch that tells the system it
> is in park but I dont know where to find it.

I think you are on the right track with the switch. They are usually
lubricated, and as time goes by and the lubricant absorbs moisture and
dust / dirt, they can get sluggish in the cold. The switch is located at
the base of the shift lever. See
http://www.geocities.com/ng_randolph...hiftswitch.pdf

Randolph wrote:
> comptrman wrote:
>
>>I have a 1990 Honda Accord that will not release the key when it is cold
>>outside. I put it in park but the light on the dash doesn't light up that
>>it is in park. I have to wait until the "P" lights up then I can take the
>>keys out.
>>Any suggestions? I was going to check the switch that tells the system it
>>is in park but I dont know where to find it.
>
>
> I think you are on the right track with the switch. They are usually
> lubricated, and as time goes by and the lubricant absorbs moisture and
> dust / dirt, they can get sluggish in the cold. The switch is located at
> the base of the shift lever. See
> http://www.geocities.com/ng_randolph...hiftswitch.pdf

I've heard of lots more shift cable troubles with that car than
switches going bad. Keep us informed of what you find. bob

On 10/26/04 6:21 AM, in article Jqqfd.49996$5v2.40326@fe2.columbus.rr.com,
"N.E.Ohio Bob" <rgstroudpants@neo.rr.com> wrote:

> Randolph wrote:
>> comptrman wrote:
>>
>>> I have a 1990 Honda Accord that will not release the key when it is cold
>>> outside. I put it in park but the light on the dash doesn't light up that
>>> it is in park. I have to wait until the "P" lights up then I can take the
>>> keys out.
>>> Any suggestions? I was going to check the switch that tells the system it
>>> is in park but I dont know where to find it.
>>
>>
>> I think you are on the right track with the switch. They are usually
>> lubricated, and as time goes by and the lubricant absorbs moisture and
>> dust / dirt, they can get sluggish in the cold. The switch is located at
>> the base of the shift lever. See
>> http://www.geocities.com/ng_randolph...hiftswitch.pdf
>
> I've heard of lots more shift cable troubles with that car than
> switches going bad. Keep us informed of what you find. bob

The problem I keep having with my early 90's vintage cars is the button
doesn't always pop all the way back out in the shifter when it is moved to
park, which causes it to not release the key. Wiggling the shifter usually
is all it takes to make it pop out and release the key.

In article <BDA3C156.AAFBD%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org>, "E. Meyer"
<e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote:

> On 10/26/04 6:21 AM, in article Jqqfd.49996$5v2.40326@fe2.columbus.rr.com,
> "N.E.Ohio Bob" <rgstroudpants@neo.rr.com> wrote:
>
> > Randolph wrote:
> >> comptrman wrote:
> >>
> >>> I have a 1990 Honda Accord that will not release the key when it is cold
> >>> outside. I put it in park but the light on the dash doesn't light up that
> >>> it is in park. I have to wait until the "P" lights up then I can take the
> >>> keys out.
> >>> Any suggestions? I was going to check the switch that tells the system it
> >>> is in park but I dont know where to find it.
> >>
> >>
> >> I think you are on the right track with the switch. They are usually
> >> lubricated, and as time goes by and the lubricant absorbs moisture and
> >> dust / dirt, they can get sluggish in the cold. The switch is located at
> >> the base of the shift lever. See
> >> http://www.geocities.com/ng_randolph...hiftswitch.pdf
> >
> > I've heard of lots more shift cable troubles with that car than
> > switches going bad. Keep us informed of what you find. bob
>
> The problem I keep having with my early 90's vintage cars is the button
> doesn't always pop all the way back out in the shifter when it is moved to
> park, which causes it to not release the key. Wiggling the shifter usually
> is all it takes to make it pop out and release the key.

You might want to visit this site to see if it is an issue covered in a
Safety Recall or Technical Service Bulletin:
http://www.alldata.com

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