Ignition key stuck

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jw_in_Cal
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Location: St. Helena, California

Ignition key stuck

Post by jw_in_Cal »

I figured this question would be suited under electrical. I have a '73 Pinzgauer 710M and the key is stuck in the ignition. It starts and runs great etc. But when in the off position the key can't be pulled out.

Any thoughts or ideas would help.
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TechMOGogy
Canada
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by TechMOGogy »

Never heard of this with a Pinz as the key is so simple in design and their is no “iginition lock”
I would say either the key is bent or was damaged or perhaps the key cylinder is not returning to full original position.
G wagons have an ignition lock and the key can get stuck, as the cylinder will not turn, I have read that guys use something that vibrates like an electric toothbrush holding it to the key while trying to wiggle/turn it.
72 Pathfinder | 75 710M 2.7i | 96 350GDT Worker
jw_in_Cal
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Joined: Mon Dec 18, 2017 3:18 pm
Location: St. Helena, California

Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by jw_in_Cal »

Thanks. I'll have to take a picture today. The key doesn't look like the normal Pinzgauer key, so I'm thinking the previous owner jamb a key in there. There is play in the key, meaning it does wiggle a bit. I'm going to try looking at it closely to see if I can see if it's bent in there, currently the key doesn't bend easily. I hope I can fit it without having to drop $250 for a new one.
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pcolette
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by pcolette »

I may have a good condition used switch with key in my spares inventory. Let me know if you'd like me to look for it. Available for lots less than $250.
Paul C.
_________
'73 Swiss 710M
'89 Puch 230GE
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rmel
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by rmel »

Try a squirt or two of Dielectric grease in there.
Won't hurt the electricals but might free up some
stickiness. Last resort a good "yank".
Puller: 71' 710K 2.7L EFI aka Mozo
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Rescue Pinz: 73' 712MK

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jw_in_Cal
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by jw_in_Cal »

I got the key out and sure enough after cleaning it, it’s a master lock key. Inside the key hole there’s a silver bit that dropped down locking it in place. I can stick a screw driver, or any flat metal to use as a key unfortunately.
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TechMOGogy
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by TechMOGogy »

Just take the battery cut-off key - it's better than an ignition key!
Glad you got it out!
72 Pathfinder | 75 710M 2.7i | 96 350GDT Worker
EmbarkChief
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by EmbarkChief »

TechMOGogy wrote:Just take the battery cut-off key - it's better than an ignition key!
Glad you got it out!

This


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-1972 710M
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GenevaPinz
Switzerland
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by GenevaPinz »

jw_in_Cal wrote:I can stick a screw driver, or any flat metal to use as a key unfortunately.
Rumor in the Swiss Army was (never seen it tested) that if you were stuck in the middle of nowhere with no key but had to start the truck, the bottle opener part of every soldier's knife would do the trick.
So your situation may not be just the result of the previous owner's poor choice.
Jan

'72 Pinzgauer 710M
jw_in_Cal
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Re: Ignition key stuck

Post by jw_in_Cal »

That would make sense.
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