My key is stuck in the ignition switch

[HCUBE]

Try disconnecting the battery and see if the key turns. If not, reconnect the battery and see what happens. Worth a shot. GOOD LUCK!

[mountainbiker]

Thanks HCUBE. Tonight I have had the battery disconnected a few times--as I am also trying to debug a battery problem--but it hasn't released itself. I have emailed my stateside dealer for him to ask the service department, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

[lennyrebel]

A friend of mine used graphite on his ignition key and had all kinds of problems. Remember that graphite is an excellent conductor and consequently he had an engine that wouldn't stop a starter that wouldn't disengage anyways all solved with a new ignition. The rebel

[mountainbiker]

Originally Posted by lennyrebel

A friend of mine used graphite on his ignition key and had all kinds of problems.l

Roger that. I feel like I am gaining more days on my "life odometer" than my actual odometer. I am surprise no one yet has said it's a "feature" of the H3, so you don't lose your keys.

[Hmmm2]

Originally Posted by lennyrebel

A friend of mine used graphite on his ignition key and had all kinds of problems.

I'm feeling REALLY guilty about suggesting the powder graphite now. Sorry guys. I knew a couple of people who had tried that and it worked, but on vehicles other than Hummers. HOWEVER, I mentioned it before I knew that mountainbiker only had 253 miles on his H3. Forgive me, forgive me!!

[mountainbiker]

Original dealer said "It sounds like you may need a new shifter. It sounds like the vehicle may not recognize that the vehicle is in park and will not release the key."

However, as you know, I was having battery problems. When the key got stuck the battery went dead while the key was in the ignition. Keeping that in mind, look at this previous post:

Originally Posted by cmeinck

I got in the truck today to move it and the lights were dim. Figured if I could start it, I'd be able to recharge the battery (no idea why it drained). No iPod, no TV's on. Key is stuck. Truck is dead. I'm getting tired of this crap. Calling for a tow tomorrow and will ask them not to jump it so maybe the dealer can figure out what's happening. BTW, this is the 2nd battery.

Source: http://www.elcovaforums.com/forums/s...3&postcount=45

I am wondering if my battery problem caused the key stuck problem???

[BlueHUMMERH2]

Where is FStop? Is he on vacation? Maybe he's in Germany!

Sorry about your stuck key. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be because you have no dealer nearby.

If you place the car in neutral with the brake on and the emergency/parking brake on, will that release the key? Not sure that's even possible, but it's the only location other than park where I can see the key might release.

[Hmmm2]

I haven't seen f5ftop online since last Friday. Maybe he's away on a long weekend. Not what mountainbiker wants to hear. Hoping f5fstop will check in soon ... he'd surely have some educated guesses on this problem. Hang in there, mountainbiker.

[mountainbiker]

Originally Posted by BlueHUMMERH2

Where is FStop? Is he on vacation? Maybe he's in Germany!

LOL- yeah it does seem quiet without him on here. And he's more than welcome to visit the lovely wine country. We even have Wal-Marts (but they are being offloaded) and a soft drink called Lift (made by Coke). Plus, the Christmas Markets will begin soon -- good food and good drink.

Originally Posted by BlueHUMMERH2

Sorry about your stuck key. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be because you have no dealer nearby.

Oh god is it. Plus, can you imagine a base of trick-or-treaters out there tonight all walking by a shiny new H3 with a key in the ignition?![/quote]

Originally Posted by BlueHUMMERH2

If you place the car in neutral with the brake on and the emergency/parking brake on, will that release the key? Not sure that's even possible, but it's the only location other than park where I can see the key might release.

I have tried in neutral, but I am not sure I tried in combination with the parking brake. I will have to give it a go. The manual says it has to be in park. Plus, in bold black text it says don't force it. (I wonder why they had to make it bold and to say that?!)