superjohn

I occasionally have a problem where the car still thinks that the key is in the ignition
after turning off the car and removing the key from the ignition. The steering wheel won't retract, the door beeps when I open it, the door locks won't lock, etc.
I have to put the key back in and pull it out several times until it detects i removed the key.

Does anyone know what can cause this problem?

2001 Lexus GS430

Lexusjg1

Once before I pulled my keys from the ignition very slow just by chance. And the exact same thing you described happened. So I repeated it a few times and sure enough the same thing happened if you pulled the key out slow enough. In your case it could be the mechanism that detects when the key is inserted sticking or staying pushed in. When you remove the key it should go back in place and you here a little clicking sound. Try spraying some Wd-40 on your key then insert it a few times that might help.

gsean400

Try resetting the computer, disconnect the battery for 20 mins.