Key stuck in ignition

The key is stuck in the ignition - FYI -I've tired some of the suggestions but that's not the problem - if I take off a battery cable the key comes right out. Sensor? If so is it easy to replace?

 

Welcome to TW!! A coworker was having this issue on his 1st gen, I'll ask him what he found on Monday if you haven't already found your answer

 

Auto or Manual? Often when the shifter bushings become worn out on autos the shift lock won't allow the key to be removed. I had this issue

 

what jgill21 said...

 

Mine does this sometimes. Try taking it out as you try to move the steering wheel. The wheel locks if you try to turn it with the car off so to override that, turn the car back on and unlock the wheel

 

This. I like to scare my friends by saying the key is stuck in the ignition but really it's because I turned the steering wheel all the way to the lock withtout starting the truck and it locks the ignition

Turn the steering wheel as far to the lock as you can or jiggle it and try to rotate the key it will work.

 

My 98 did this. I took the ignition out. Very easy to do and removed some of the tumblers in the igntion. Took two of them out because they will get worn, hang up on the key and it will not come out. Works like butter now. Easier to hotwire but my pickup is manual. It's a theft deturrent for the generation of dumbasses that try to steal it. Don't know how to drive a stick! haha

 

Had the same thing. It's a bushing in the shifter not letting the truck know it's in park. Unhook the battery, it comes right out.

 

This could be similar to my 2000 v6 auto. I was in a store parking lot and could not remove the key after shutting off the truck. I was able to take the console off and disconnect one of the connectors. The key was released once I did this. I consider this a temporary fix. Do this at your own risk, it might allow the key to be removed during operation.

For my truck, I think the more permanent fix would be the bushing replacement mentioned by KDF. I thought this was a good video that demonstrated the problem and the permanent fix.

https://youtu.be/lCY6XyxJjv4

 

This^