I have a 90 civic. During cold weather ( 50 or below) the key won't come out of the ignition for sometimes 5-10 min. In warm weather I have no troubles. I've also recently had trouble with the automatic gear shift getting it out of park. This is really frustrating because the battery runs down because the computer is still on. I was told it might be the sensor gone bad. The locking cylinder isn't bad either... I've tried using graphite. I'm stumped!

Sounds like problems with some of the interlocks. Can't take out of park without the ignition unlocked and foot on the brake, can't take the key out until in park, etc. With it being a cold weather problem, I would guess some of the original lube has gummed up. Tearing the steering column apart to clean up the parts will not be fun, less so if you have an air bag. If you have the shifter on the console, maybe clean it up and put graphite on it first, and see if that fixes it. By all means, pull the fuses, or better yet, the negative cable on the battery before touching the steering wheel if you have the air bag. The problem could also be worn or bent parts.

I was doing fine without air bags and interlocks. Good luck.

Hi, this is exactly the problem I have with two Honda Accords: 1990 and 1995. Either I can't get the key out, or it won't turn in the ignition.

The 1990 doesn't have an air bag. Also, I think sometimes, as I recalled, I have occasionally had the same problem where I cannot get it out of park.

In the summer it is perfectly fine.

I am not a mechanic. Is there something a non-mechanical person can do -- WD40. Graphite or something? Where/What/How much?

Is this costly to have repaired?

If I don't succeed, what should I tell the mechanic about this so he doesn't waste time on anything else?

Thanks a million times if you can help me with this.

Here's the deal. I think the problem has to do with the shift/lock interchange (that may or may not be the correct name for it). It is a rod that connects all the key lock to the gear shift with the brake. The magnet that releases the rod and spring goes bad. I chose not to repair mine, but if you take the battery cable off then the key should come out. That's all I know.

Thanks Oreo! Did you experience it just in cold weather? Mine is always happening when it gets cold. When the weather is warm I don't have a problem at all. But when it gets cold, I have the same problem with both.

Please let me know if you saw the same connection between temperature and the key problem. If so, it's probably the same thing.

If so, can it be repaired? I am not much for getting under the hood and fooling with the battery cables. I am definitely not mechanical...

Thanks so much!