why can i take the key out of my dodge stratus 1998??
how can i get it out ?
HELP

 

Sounds lock your ignition lock cylinder malfunctioned. I'd call a locksmith. Does the key turn the vehicle on and off?

Also, it may do nothing, but have someone pull the key while someone else jerks the locked steering wheel back and forth. sounds like the tumblers are stuck and if you can get them to release your key will slide out. Keep in mind if you do get your key out you may have to replace the "ignition lock cylinder"

 

That happened to my sisters '87 Escort years ago. The locksmith told us that if we were able to pull the key out, that we would have to replace the whole cylinder. We shot it full of super glue and made the key a permanent fixture. You'll need to most likely replace the cylinder.
I have the exact opposite problem with my '00, the key can be pulled out no matter which position it's in.

 

the key does turn the car on and off well it kills the engine but it leaves the mileage lights on and now my battery is dead
WHAT SHOULD I DO??

 

See a locksmith or replace the cylinder. It is not pulling it all the way back to "off" and rather leaving the car in the "on" state after killing the ignition system. Your cylinder is broken more than we thought. The above posts were to indicate that if all was normal (but just stuck in there) than you can leave it. But since it's not letting you get to the "off" position (which is where it needs to be to pull the key out anyways), than it NEEDS to be addressed, or you will have to keep your car on the charger whenever it's parked for more than a few minutes.

 

r u sure the shifter is coming out all the way? by that i mean the button on the gear shift. I have a video that will aid in what I am referencing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uo3tAj7TWt8

Kind of a shot in the dark but worth checking.

Good Luck!

 

thanks for the help

 

Did you get it out?

 

no
i took it to a mechanic and he fixed it
but the next day the key was stuck again.
i dont what to do

 

take it to the same mechanic and tell him to FIX IT RIGHT.

that's what to do!!