Without going into my history of issues, my key is stuck in the ignition. I've done all the things - jiggled the wheel. Jiggled the key. Cycled through all of the gears. Car off. Car running. All the combinations. Nothing.

Doesn't sound like a good idea to spray wd40 into the ignition, along the key. I'm tempted to do that with some graphite lubricant, though.

Any advice from anyone? Right now I'm leaning towards just showing up at the dealership Monday morning.

 

Do you have a second key?

You could use it to lock the car, until you figure out a solution to your problem.

 

Yes. Until I get it fixed, the cat is locked with the other key and the battery is disconnected. Because my car hates me, the key isn't opening the trunk, so the trunk is only "closed". Not latched.

I've made an appointment with the dealer for Monday, for them to get the key out and resolve the trunk issue.

 

The key will not come out if the neutral plunger has not retracted. Can happen if drinks get spilled on near gear shift lever.
The release button down on the side of the shift mechanism actually activates the plunger, as does the shift mechanism. If the plunger stays out the key stays in. It is done to prevent the key being removed while in gear and underway.
You will need to remove the shift cover and lube the plunger - then operate the button on teh side of the shifter to spread the lube and make sure it is free to move.

 

Just left the dealership. This sounds like my issue exactly. The service tech noticed something that I didn't - that the gearshift could be moved without my foot on the brake. PLUS - those other issues I mentioned. Had to have the car towed over the weekend, so that area was manipulated to get the car into neutral.

Any more details about the plunger? I'm not quite clear on that part. Also, what type of lubricant should I use?

 

10 seconds of poking around with a screwdriver.

Thanks!