When starting our 07 JK Unlimted sometimes the key stays in the starting position..... to where you have to manually pull it back. what I mean is.... normally when you start a car you simply let go of the key after the car starts and the key falls back to the on position. Our Key will stay in the starting position and we have to immediately switch it back.

It only happens about once in every 50 or so starts. Havent tried the other key to see if it's the key causing the issue. The key I'm using is the keyless entry OEM issued one.

Was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this???

 

Have not experienced anything like that in either an 08 Sahara automatic or 09 Rubicon manual. There must be some misalignment that is causing the mechanism to bind occasionally. Sorry I can't offer any more help than that.

 

its possible that its a poorly cut key. have you ever noticed that its difficult to turn the key to start it?

 

Nope, fits right in and turns just fine....

 

my key has not been snapping back....its slow in returning to the position.....i am thinking of some type of lube.....

 

im not sure if using a lock lube is a good idea, maybe someone else can chime in here... but since there is a chip in the key there has to be some sort of receiver in the steering column. is there a possibility that can be damaged?

if a lube can be used, graphite lock lube works the best

 

I've had problems in the past (on other vehicles) of dust/sand causing shorts in the electric, and sticky parts, like you describe.
I'd try a spray electrical cleaner (CRC?) around the actual lock tumbler. It evaporates really quickly, but helps rinse crud off of even the most delicate parts. Unlike graphite, it evaporates completely, no residue. you may just be "gummed up"

 

One question, is the key actually sticking forward or is the engine just continuing to crank after you release the key?

All automatics have a tip start feature that once you turn the key the computer will keep cranking the engine until it starts.

 

As soon as it starts I release the key and it's still in the start position, I pull it back before any thing happens....

 

Can't say that I've had that problem in my '08 or any other vehicle I've owned.

Definitely sounds mechanical though. Maybe pop the column cover off and see if you can see any grime in and around there.