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Key cannot be removed from ignition
by dcbradley
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Mar 05, 2007 (6:51 pm)
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Hello,
I have seen a few posts where others have described this problem. When shifting into park, if an audible "click" isn't heard, you know that the ignition cylinder ( or whatever mechanism it is) is stuck and won't fully release the key.
If you reach up inside the steering column from underneath the ignition switch, you can feel a small switch that - when pressed forward - will allow you to turn the key to its fully off position. You can then extract the key from the ignition switch.
Does anyone know of a permanent fix? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
2002 Grand Prix GT
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- #2 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [dcbradley]
by 2000miteclipse
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Mar 17, 2007 (3:59 pm)
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Replying to: dcbradley (Mar 05, 2007 6:51 pm)
hey
I have a 2002 Grand Prix SE and the same exact problem... just today i was told it has something to do with the "pilot", but honestly i have no idea. have you found out how to fix it?
Thanks
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- #3 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [2000miteclipse]
by dcbradley
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Mar 21, 2007 (10:48 am)
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Replying to: 2000miteclipse (Mar 17, 2007 3:59 pm)
Thanks so much for the reply. I have yet to find a permanent solution, and I have noticed several other threads that describe the same problem.
I have toyed with the idea of attempting to take the steering column apart, but I don't want an airbag in the face should I force something that doesn't like to be fiddled with. I would love to see a schematic of the steering column, as I am curious as to why there's actually a little button to press that releases the lock. Have you tried this same method to extract the key? When I'm patient enough to actually wait for the cylinder to release it, it usually takes between 15 and 30 seconds, after which an audible 'click' can be heard and the key can be turned fully back for removal. The fact that it eventually does release indicates to me that something in the column is "sticking" rather than merely broken.
If I ever find out how to fix this, I will post the solution here. Once again, thanks for the reply.
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- #4 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [dcbradley]
by scarletfox
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Apr 24, 2007 (7:08 pm)
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Replying to: dcbradley (Mar 21, 2007 10:48 am)
I know exactly what you are going through! I have just been through this nightmare. Every time I took it in to the shop over the course of 9+ months, they wouldn't have any problem with the key sticking. I read up on this problem on the web & everything I came across told me that these cars were notorious for the selenoid going bad, but there were no recalls on this. I finally got lucky the last time I took her in & it did stick for the technician too. As I had been telling the shop all along (perhaps they didn't want a girl telling them what was wrong with the car! LOL!), they found it to be the Shift Lock Solenoid ($251) was not providing power to the Ignition Lock Solenoid ($47) - these prices didn't include the labor. I was lucky enough that my warranty covered these parts. I wish I could tell you that there is an easy fix, but at least this will give you an idea on where to start looking & a round about cost of the parts. So, if you are looking to do this project yourself, you will still need to see a schematic on where & how to replace these parts which should be in the Haynes repair manual for the car. It pays to do research! LOL! Good luck & I hope this helps!
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- #5 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [scarletfox]
by jseto
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May 06, 2007 (7:41 pm)
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Replying to: scarletfox (Apr 24, 2007 7:08 pm)
I've been dealing with this issue for about a year now. I've learned to live with it. My solution is simple: I make sure I come to a complete stop, press on the brake and wait for 2 seconds. Then, I place in Park, take my foot off the brake, and listen for the solenoid to click. If I don't hear it, I "finger-flick" the shifter button several times. This usually gets the solenoid to click. Then, I turn off the damn car.
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- #6 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [dcbradley]
by silverfoxdjr
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Jun 01, 2007 (3:54 am)
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Replying to: dcbradley (Mar 21, 2007 10:48 am)
Hi Gang, I have a 2001 SLT Jimmy (49k) with the same problem. A few months ago I had to have my multi-funtion switched replaced, ok no problem, then about a month ago the key would not go to the "HOME" position unless I played with the shifter and/or had the right touch on the brake peddle. This happens occasionally, but of course, at the wrong damn time!!I've had 5 back surgery's so I really can't maneuver like in the past, so I have to count on someone else's judgment (GRRRR) and I've had sooo many differant suggestions and the installer of the MF switch feels responsable but management says differently,does anyone have an idea where I can check some simple areas to start looking before I attempt to get on the floor and become part of the truck until the ER squad has to get the jaws of life to get me out? LOL
Silverfox
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- #7 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [dcbradley]
by pawl
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Jun 21, 2007 (5:56 pm)
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Replying to: dcbradley (Mar 05, 2007 6:51 pm)
Hi
The shifter is your problem.
It sends a signal to the Park Lock Actuator (mounted on the column). If No signal is recieved to actuator, no key release.
VERY common problem.
Parts about $250.00.
Labor time about 1-2 hours.
ease for DYI - 4-6.
Good Luck
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- #8 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [dcbradley]
by tat3299
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Jun 29, 2007 (5:26 pm)
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Replying to: dcbradley (Mar 05, 2007 6:51 pm)
I have never been able to figure out how to fix it professionally, but I have had to put a straw into the hole just under the ignition and leave it there. If the straw falls out I am screwed, my key never comes out.
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- #9 of 42
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Re: Key cannot be removed from ignition [dcbradley]
by taxxman
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Jul 16, 2007 (8:24 am)
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Replying to: dcbradley (Mar 21, 2007 10:48 am)
For the last 4 months I have experienced the same problem with my 2001 grand prix sedan. Lately the problem has become increasingly more difficult. I am at my witts end, with turning the key off then on until finally it releases and comes out of the ignition. What I would like to know is the solution to this problem? Do you go to the dealer, or do you go to a local repair shop? I would appreciate it if one of you grand prix owners who has had this problem then had it repaired could give me some tips on how to get it fixed.
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