Key Stuck In Ignition 2002 Automatic Rav4 Help Please?

[MsToto]

Hi everyone, I've got a Rav 4 and the key is stuck in the ignition. I can't get it to turn to the off position so can't pull it out. I called a locksmith but he didn't know what to do, he suggested taking it to the dealer. This is all very well but not much use at 7pm on a bank holiday. The car is an automatic, it will turn to the on position but gets stuck on ACC so it won't go to off. I can move the gears so it is drivable.

I don't want to leave the key in the car overnight for obvious reasons, I would still like to have a car in the morning. Plus, if I leave it like this surely the Battery will be dead by morning anway.

Does anyone have any idea how to get the stupid thing out?

[Davrav]

Hi everyone, I've got a Rav 4 and the key is stuck in the ignition. I can't get it to turn to the off position so can't pull it out. I called a locksmith but he didn't know what to do, he suggested taking it to the dealer. This is all very well but not much use at 7pm on a bank holiday. The car is an automatic, it will turn to the on position but gets stuck on ACC so it won't go to off. I can move the gears so it is drivable.

I don't want to leave the key in the car overnight for obvious reasons, I would still like to have a car in the morning. Plus, if I leave it like this surely the battery will be dead by morning anway.

Does anyone have any idea how to get the stupid thing out?

Welcome to the club and sorry to hear about your predicament.

No expert on this but it could be linked to the gear selector - in many cars the system needs to register that the selector is in 'Park' before it will release the key. Is there nothing in your owners manual about a manual release button on the steering consle for just such a circumstance?

[bitman]

yes, indeed. you have to put the gear lever in P to get the key out