The key is stuck in the ignition switch on my tractor and it is in the on position. It will turn to start but not to off. Being a deisel I was able to sut the motor down, and I disconnected the battery to stop the power drain, but no amount of wiggling or force will turn it back to off. Any ideas?
First I would try a Graphite based Loc Lube and taping it with a very light hammer to see if you can get the tumblers loose.
If that doesn't help then buy a new lock. You can probably find a generic one at a reasonable price.
Rust Reaper.
If johns idea doesn't work your hammers not big enough ;D
Get a new one!
Even if you can force it back, you cannot trust it anymore. Those switches have many moving parts inside and are made CHEAP. Something is not right and even if you get it back to off, it will do it again.
You can find generic ign switches, but chances are you will have to redo the wiring harness to make it work.
Don't turn it to the off position!
Most ignition switches are designed to be removed easily only with them in the ON/Start position. This includes both column and dash mount units. Most ignition switches are designed so the key can not be removed unless in the off position. Most ignition switches are $10 so it is not worth the hassle of another broken key for $10.
If you want to remove the key itself. That is a bit tricky. You need to turn it to the off position. You can usually force a pair of needle nose at the top and bottom of the key to turn the switch.
Once that is done, what you need is to be able to grab on the end with a thin pair of needle nose or surgical tweezers. If you have a lock pick set, you might be able to get a thin pick over the tumblers and pull the key chunk back from the back if everything is not rusted up. I think the lock pick set sold at northern tool
Note:Please read the Forestry Forum's postion on this company has a tool just for this.
You might try a paperclip, bend the end very slightly, and angle it in from the top and try to grab the key near the first available tumbler.
In the future, if you are hanging a large key ring from the ignition ring, is to change the key every year or so. What happens is you hang a pound of jouncing keys off a piece of brass and after it bends the key a few thousand times it snaps like a coat hanger at the stress point, inside the ign. switch.
what kind of tractor???
I've had the stuck key problem before and simply gave the slot two quick shots of carburator cleaner. I was careful to let it dry out well prior to attempting to use it. The ignition switch is still working today. It was gummed up inside and just needed a little cleaning.
Its worth a try.
I own a locksmith company and this type of failure is pretty common. Is the keyhole offset from center of the lock? If it is, then you have a sidebar lock that should probably be replaced. Usually there are two springs that counterbalance the sidebar. They are staked in and if one pops loose, the sidebar will not drop in causing the lock to work erratically.