Just want to throw a comment in here, in the Auto the Key fob won't release unless Park is selected, it won't release if its in neutral. I know you have a manual but is there something similar locking it in, like it needs to be out of gear and the handbrake on or something? 
Hung like Einstein, smart as a horse.

You have to press the stop button, to eject the key, just letting it stop on Eco won't release it. My11 freelander 2, xs, Manual, 18" hse sparkles, sidesteps, privacy, zermatt silver metallic, almond nutmeg alacantra, twin electric towbar

Gone my09 xs D3

I know it's an old thread but here I am with the same issue, key stuck and getting out only a few mm f I take it out.
I found a barrel with 2 spare keys from a dismantled car, I suppose it will still need the reprogramming if I mount it?
Does anyone know if this reprogramming procedure is complicated? I couldn't find anything on the internet about it..
Thanks in advance

A barrel? Can you take a photo for us, Freelanders have a key dock, couldn't call it a barrel. Just want to make sure we are talking about the same thing. MY11 SD4 SE Auto

Hi, sorry for the term used, this is how it was advertised by the dismantler.
I'm referring of course to the Starter Control Unit, or key docking unit, LR014330.
Seems that mine refuses to eject the key, it only gets out a few mm, so I have to use the spark key to lock/unlock the car. I think it's a mechanical fault, probably PCB is good.
My thought was that another key dock with its own programmed keys might work to start, but I guess those keys would not unlock the car, so I guess I answered my own question, probably it does not work as direct replacement, but only with programming.
It is a lot of info on programming keys, but not on programming this key docking unit, so I wondered if some had this done on their own.

Before you go too far you should check your main battery volts. I had this problem and removed fob using two pieces of flexible plastic approx 10mm wide pushed down either side.
Then charged battery and fitted new battery 2 days later - that was 5 years ago and no problem since.

Thanks for suggestion, Longdave.
Main battery was changed Feb-20, no sign of issues with it.
It thought about it after reading the related topics, but I don't think it's the case here.
I will try today to extract the battery with the plastic stripes, I see if I can get it out.

Now we're talking. My key fob case was well worn and the rubber buttons prevented the fob being ejected. The solution was to put the old PCB into a new case. A very simple job I did myself. No programming required.
Hopefully your solution is as easy as either reply. MY11 SD4 SE Auto

@ozjeff62 - the inflated rubber key issue I had it some years ago, replaced with new cases, which are ok. Unfortunately this is a different issue, not key related, but key dock unit...

Ah, I see, excellent. The plastic strip idea seems a good temporary work around. MY11 SD4 SE Auto

I gave the fob a sprinkle and rub down with baby powder. So far so good.

My thinking is of the fob get stuck the friction can be too high to push the fob out. Oil is not the correct product, graphite powder too messy, thus baby powder.

I can see powder clogging things up and wearing off quickly.

I don't expect it to last forever bit for now the fob slides in and out like it was intended.

Also, don't have any weight other than the actual fob....

And make sure it goes in buttons up, which isn't what the MOT tester did last time. He stuffed it in buttons does, which then jammed the fob in the dock.  Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate. The family car.
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