key can be pulled out while engine is on ? need help to fix

[Flight23]

i have a gen 2 v6 1988 camry and the ignition key can be taken out while the engine is still running and does not stick. but the lock button still needs to be pressed to turn the engine off.
i think a friend has stuffed it as after he went to move my car he came back and said that the radio was still running and could not turn it off, and i though oh crap how did you do that !!!
but he said it just came out but before it always use to lock in properly
any ideas how to fix this ?

[therufus]

It is 100% illegal to have a car in Australia where the engine runs without the keys in the ignition. It is supposed to be part of the inspection when you get your registration every year. I'd get the ignition (mental block, the part where you put the key. Shaft??) replaced quickly.

[JetspeedCamry]

I have a G2 V6 and the key comes out of my ignition and it's never failed a roadworthy....
It's quite convinent actually to open the garage door, and not have to switch the motor off hehe.

[Cyorke]

Either your key is worn out or the tumbler for the ignition is worn. One or the other is going to have to be replaced.

[AustSV21]

i had the same thing in my 89,

the key is worn out so just get a new one cut and it won't happen anymore

but yeah its actually pretty useful to be able to pull the key

[Ferrat]

lol. my gen2 89 does it as well, before i got it rego'd i'd turn in on take the key out and let it run for 15-20 mins just to keep the stuff moving hehe :P didn't have to stay with the car.

[fredk]

get used to it, both my camrys do it and just about any gen2 camry or old yota can be started with one of the 2 keys i have