Problem removing key

[Chainsawed]

Hey all, I'm new here. I've owned a 2000 mercury cougar for 2 years now and for the most part I havn't had bad luck with it at all. But recently, after I let it sit for 2 months during the winter, it caused some electrical problems with the car, the most aggravating for me being the fact that I can not turn my key to the fully off position and remove it, it goes to the "2" setting or some odd bull**** like that. Now the funny thing is, when I disconnect the negative lead from the battery I can remove the key, so my first guess would be that it has something to do with the alarm, but I'm by no means a car surgeon, so I really have no idea what could be causing this problem, but I can't currently lock my doors because of it (I only have one key).

Thanks,
Chainsawed

[bodkins_adam01]

sounds like maybe the gear posistion sensor might have gone out. In other words when your in park it releases the key lock. But I am not sure what is your engine? Try putting it in neatral and see what happens. I know my jeep went out and so did my mazda and I had to replace that sensor i think the most expensive was on my mazda and I got it from the dealership for 25.00 and it is real easy to install. Let me know what happens

[Chainsawed]

When I put it in neutral I still couldn't get my key out. I've moved the shifter every which way and at no point was I able to get it out

[bodkins_adam01]

hmmmmm I still think it might be that sensor. My advice would be to take it to a mechanic and let them see if they can bypass your switch and if that works then wala you have your problem. That is the only thing I can think of at this time. Unless worse case senario the tumbler inside the lock is broke.

[kwg2371]

I'm thinking more of the tumbelers are bad I had somthing simular happen with my old focus the tumbelers went out in the winter time and the key didnt come out i had to dick with it for about an hour, or (2) your key is just so wore out the tumbelers anrt gettin any pressure on them and by sticking the key in the security system in the car thinks you are trying too steal the car (the security chip in the key could be bad to)

[LinkMan]

Probably a bad lock cylinder - there's a TSB or dealer notice of some sort for the ignition cylinder of some Cougars (not sure which years) - I had the cylinder replaced in my '99 while under warranty for what sounds like the same symptoms as you. Coincidentally, the key got stuck in the ignition when I returned to work after picking the Cougar up from getting her serviced. I left the key in the ignition, and took the fob with me to lock the doors.