Key sometimes stuck in ignition

[Estafador]

Been having this problem a lot. Sometimes, it will come out the ignition after the car is off and parked. No issues there, par for the course. But other times, after I park the whip, put it in park and turn off the ignition, even while trying to gently pull, it will get stuck. Is this common for the 2006 Zephyr (MKZ)?

[drolds1]

Some early Fusions and Zephyrs had this issue.  There was a TSB for it:

 

KEY STUCK IN IGNITION / SHIFTER BINDING CONDITION
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 07-14-7, Date of Issue: July 23, 2007
FORD:2006-2007 Fusion
LINCOLN:2006 Zephyr
MERCURY:2006-2007 Milan
Superceded Bulletin(s): 07-2-1, Date of Issue: February 5, 2007
Related Ref Number(s): 07-14-7, 07-2-1
ARTICLE BEGINNING
ISSUE
NOTE:This article supersedes TSB 07-2-1 to update the Part List.

Some 2006-2007 Fusion, Milan and 2006 Zephyr vehicles built before 9/4/2006 may exhibit a customer concern of the ignition key getting trapped or a shifter slider binding condition. Most Of the key trapped conditions are caused due to a binding shifter button which does not allow the pawl to contact the park detect switch.
ACTION
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
If the key will not release from the ignition cylinder lock follow the Key Trapped procedure. On vehicles with a hard-to-shift shift lever into park or slider bunching/binding then follow the Shifter Slider Binding procedure.
KEY TRAPPED
Actuate knob button 5-10 times, observe for binding or sticky condition.
Replace knob assembly if the knob sticks following Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-05
NOTE:WHEN REPLACING THE SHIFT KNOB DO NOT REUSE THE SCREWS. REMOVE AND DISCARD THE SCREWS. INSTALL TWO NEW SCREWS AND TIGHTEN TO 18 LB-IN (2 N.m). DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS OR DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.

SHIFTER SLIDER BINDING
If shifter slider is bunched up or binding, replace bezel assembly following WSM, Section 307-05.
NOTE:WHEN REPLACING THE BEZEL, CARE NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK OVERRIDE TAB IS PROPERLY ALIGNED INTO ITS GUIDE. REFER TO Fig. 1.

Fig. 1: Brake Shift Interlock Override Tab Alignment
NOTE:WHEN REINSTALLING THE SHIFT KNOB DO NOT REUSE THE SCREWS. REMOVE AND DISCARD THE SCREWS. INSTALL TWO NEW SCREWS AND TIGHTEN TO 18 LB-IN (2 N.m). DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS OR DAMAGE MAY OCCUR.

NOTE:IF OVERRIDE CAP IS DAMAGED DURING REPAIR, IT IS AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.

PARTS INFORMATION
Part NumberPart Name
6E5Z-7D443-BBezel Assy. - Black w/FNR5 Trans (Fusion-Milan)
6E5Z-7D443-CBezel Assy. - Black w/Aisin F21 Trans (Fusion-Milan)
6H6Z-7D443-ABezel Assy. - Satin Nickel (Zephyr)
6E5Z-7213-CKnob Assy. - Black (Fusion-Milan)
6H6Z-7213-AKnob Assy. - Charcoal (Zephyr)
6H6Z-7213-BKnob Assy. - Charcoal-OD (Zephyr)
6E5Z-7A214-BOverride Cap-Black (Fusion-Milan)
6H6Z-7A214-AOverride Cap-Satin Nickel (Zephyr)
W790088-S901Screw (2 Req)

WARRANTY INFORMATION
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage.
IMPORTANT:Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
OperationDescriptionTime
071407A2006-2007 Fusion, Milan And 2006 Zephyr: Replace Knob Assembly, Includes Time To Diagnose And Verify Repair (Do Not Use With 04536A, 04536B, 7213A)0.3 Hr.
071407B2006-2007 Fusion, Milan and 2006 Zephyr: Replace Bezel Assembly Includes Time To Diagnose And Verify Repair (Do Not Use With 04536A, 04536B, 7213A)0.4 Hr.

DEALER CODING
Basic Part No.Condition Code
7213

Even if your car is not in this build range, binding in the shifter mechanism can cause this. There's a solenoid that has to get a signal in order to release the key in Park. If the button on the shifter doesn't fully release, no electrical signal is sent.  The next time it happens, see if the key will come out with the selector in Neutral.  If it does, you have a shifter/solenoid issue.