[MrJEHowley]

Well ran into an issue with the wife's Cross yesterday. She pulled her key out of the ignition, closed her doors and tried to lock them, and it wouldn't lock.

So I went out there with the spare fob and tried to lock them, and same result. So I opened the door and found the display saying to "Please Remove Key". The problem with that is, there was no key in the ignition. I put the spare in and out of the ignition a few times to no avail, tried tapping on the ignition and the searing column, opened and closed the door a few time, tried the lock button which would instantly result in an unlock. I went to grab my ODBII scanner to see if it showed anything weird even though no check engine light was on, and when I made it back to the car, it was working as it should.

Any idea what could be causing this? Google has NOT been helpful in the slightest.

 

[Lunatic59]

If this was a one-off, then I'd chalk it up to a software or switch glitch. When the key is removed from the lock it let's the ECU know so the related systems can respond accordingly ie. not let you lock your key in the car. For whatever reason switch wasn't passing that information along. It could be that the particular area of the firmware related to the key was not functioning correctly. Waiting for a short period puts most of the car's systems to sleep and waking them back up is akin to a soft boot.

Or, the little microswitch in the lock could have been physically stuck open (or closed) not sure what state the switch is in when a key is inserted.

If it repeats have the dealer look at it.

 

[MrJEHowley]

Just went out, and no "Please remove key". Started the car, let it run for a minute and turned it off, removed key and opened the door. "Please remove key" is displayed. Wife just made appointment to get it serviced.

 

[ItIsToAnEclpise]

Wow that’s a weird one . That sucks

 

[DibbyDibbyDJ]

Do you have a keycard or swipe pass for building/carpark entry? These are known to give off RF interference which keeps vehicle systems confused

 

[MrJEHowley]

Do you have a keycard or swipe pass for building/carpark entry? These are known to give off RF interference which keeps vehicle systems confused

Nope, nothing like that in the car, but that's interesting info.

 

[MrJEHowley]

Well this weekend it just stopped and is now working correctly...so my wife canceled her appointment.

 

[Lunatic59]

When it happened was it cold, hot, dry, wet? It really sounds like there was something stuck in the lock or the switch.

 

[MrJEHowley]

When it happened was it cold, hot, dry, wet? It really sounds like there was something stuck in the lock or the switch.

Weather hasn't really changed. We had tried removing the key fast, removing it slow, turning it fast, turning it slow, lightly tapping on the ignition and steering column...nothing changed. Was like this until Saturday and it only happened to me once after a few 2 hour jaunts and a couple 30 minute trips (was a busy day), and hasn't happened since.

 

[edvito282]

Just went out, and no "Please remove key". Started the car, let it run for a minute and turned it off, removed key and opened the door. "Please remove key" is displayed. Wife just made appointment to get it serviced.

What did the dealership tell you? I am having the same trouble with my Outlander.

 

[DibbyDibbyDJ]

In the ignition switch is a tiny microswitch that senses the key blade. This can stick, and would normally need replacing. There is no lubricant you should put in the mechanism except for graphite powder to see if that helps.