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Pontiac Grand Prix Key cannot be removed from ignition

88 messages,  Last post on Jul 27, 2012 at 11:24 AM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Grand Prix, Sedan

Messages Page 7 of 9

#58 of 88 Cannot remove key from ignition by mech_not1

Jun 05, 2011 (11:00 am)

I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix and cannot turn the key to the off position and subsequently, cannot remove the key from the ignigition. It seems to be stuck between the accessory position and the off position. Will this run down my battery and can anyone give me a clue how to fix this please? I am not a mechanic and have very little tools. Thanks!

#59 of 88 Re: Cannot remove key from ignition [mech_not1] by gearkat

Jun 05, 2011 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: mech_not1 (Jun 05, 2011 11:00 am)
Here is a link to my Youtube video on how to fix this problem if it is the green and purple wires have come loose.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rHbrsvzxWc

#60 of 88 Re: Cannot remove key from ignition [mech_not1] by gearkat

Jun 05, 2011 (1:40 pm)

Replying to: mech_not1 (Jun 05, 2011 11:00 am)
There is also a work-around that is really easy. On the bottom of the steering column is a little opening right under the ignition. You'll need to pop out the cover with a small screwdriver. Now using the same screwdriver you can stick it in that hole and push on a little button that will allow you to get your key out. You can use the screwdriver to push that button in before turning the key, or after the key has been moved to the stuck position.

#61 of 88 Re: Cannot remove key from ignition [gearkat] by QueenRoyalty

Jun 06, 2011 (2:43 am)

Replying to: gearkat (Jun 05, 2011 1:40 pm)
I do the "work around" in # 60. For some reason I can physically pull my key out, no matter what position the ignition is in, even if I'm driving. I'm sure that can't be good, so I do the screwdriver trick.
 
gear kat - how much would you charge for the repair? I'm not in your area, but just so I have an idea. What would I call it to ask my own mechanic? thanks for your help

#62 of 88 Re: Cannot remove key from ignition [QueenRoyalty] by gearkat

Jun 06, 2011 (6:31 am)

Replying to: QueenRoyalty (Jun 06, 2011 2:43 am)
QueenRoyalty - well I am currently charging $100. But I am not a mechanic, I'm just a guy who figured out a permanent fix based on his experiences in life. So to pay someone who 'knows what they are doing' is apt to be more expensive as they have the real training.
 
But if you bring up the fact that the green and purple wires might have become separated under the console, you are definitely going to sound like you know what you are talking about. Save this tidbit though if the mechanic comes back saying you need a new wire harness or something that will mean a bigger bill.

#63 of 88 A Workaround that appears to work by here_to_help99

Aug 08, 2011 (3:25 pm)

Hi all,
 
I've been running into this problem for probably about a year. Usually, the key eventually comes out after I cycle the shifter through Park-Reverse-Neutrial-4 and back. Yesterday was the first time that the key just wouldn't come out.
 
After a lot of Internet research, I finally came across a video that was straightforward and easy to do:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYBD4_Bm_8g&NR=1
 
this appears to solve the problem (for now). I'll keep everyone posted if things change...

#64 of 88 Re: A Workaround that appears to work [here_to_help99] by gearkat

Aug 08, 2011 (5:39 pm)

Replying to: here_to_help99 (Aug 08, 2011 3:25 pm)
That is not a permanent fix, that is just a work around. Sure, you can disable the key lock by using the port under the steering wheel, but after doing that a few hundred times I bet you get sick of it. By the way that guy (probably you) who posted that video doesn't allow me to comment on his thread about his solution to the problem. I provided him with correct information, a link to a permanent fix, and he'd rather ignore /bury it instead of admitting fault. Welcome to the new America.

#65 of 88 Re: A Workaround that appears to work [gearkat] by here_to_help99

Aug 08, 2011 (8:22 pm)

Replying to: gearkat (Aug 08, 2011 5:39 pm)
Mr. "Gearkat":
 
First of all, I'm not the "that guy" who posted the video. I'm simply a satisfied customer who spent hours this morning trying to find a solution online (to no avail) until stumbling across that fellow's youtube video.
 
Secondly, you're probably right in a sense that the proposed solution is a "workaround". I don't doubt that. But for myself, and many others I'm sure, this workaround is just what I was looking for - a simple and inexpensive corrective action. Before doing online research, I was quoted by a local dealer over the phone that repairing this issue by them would be ~$800 or more.
 
Thirdly, I read your unnecessarily disparaging comments towards the owner of his video in his youtube comments section. I was very confused as to why you would try to discredit a fast, cheap, and effective solution - but then I realized why. I've read some of your comments and came to the realization that you are trying to sell your business. You don't want people to fix their car problems by using a cheap and easy solution; no, you want people to buy YOUR products and profit from others' hardship. You're not looking out for others; you're looking out for YOURSELF. Shame on you.
 
There are ways to be profitable and run a small business without ripping off the American consumer. It's called being in a win-win relationship; perhaps you should invest some time researching the concept.
 
Sorry to all who has to suffer through reading through gearcat and my quibble. Surely, you didn't come to this thread to see two people argue online.
 
I just felt the responsibility to expose gearcat for who/what he truly is - a coward and a fraud.

#66 of 88 Re: A Workaround that appears to work [here_to_help99] by gearkat

Aug 09, 2011 (6:34 am)

Replying to: here_to_help99 (Aug 08, 2011 8:22 pm)
A business isn't supposed to make money? That is a new one on me. He said his problem was a 'fix', it isn't. It is a work-around. I have a video on YouTube where I do a permanent fix for under $40 which address a specific problem pointed out by another edmunds.com user (thank you for that information). My fix only addresses this very local specific problem. I also use my real name in that video and provide my location. So if I am a fraud, I suck at it.
 
The mechanic said it was going to be ~$800 because they don't want to take the time for a $40 dollar repair. They'd rather replace your ignition coil, wire harness, and whatever else they can think of to justify whatever price they quote.
 
By the way, my research on the web shows that the $800 repair you mention often doesn't work, leaving you $800 out and still dependent on a work around. My fix was done 4 or 5 weeks ago now, and my car is working just fine. I have sold some of the L-shaped terminals on my ebay store to other do-it-yourself types and I have not had any negative feedback, or request for further information about how I did the repair. Nor has anyone tried to return the part I supplied. I can only conclude silence is golden. Here again is my YouTube video with a summary of how I did the repair.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rHbrsvzxWc

#67 of 88 Re: Cannot remove key from ignition [gearkat] by moonbeam3

Aug 24, 2011 (4:30 pm)

Replying to: gearkat (Jun 05, 2011 1:18 pm)
I have a 2001 GrandPrix GTP. I found your video very informative. For me I have already been through this last august. I brought into the dealer and they said the shifter needed to be replaced. So $1800.00 (can) later it worked but not even a year later it started to do it again. So for the last few months I have been doing the ignition switch thing with the screw driver and have been locking my car my remote starter lock so it won't kill my battery if needed. This solution was very helpful but now it more of a money thing I don't want to spend that much again and it not be fixed. Can any mechanic do this or should i bring into the dealer and tell them what I think it can be.
 I have been talking to alot of mechanics that seem to not listen to me as I am a women and I guess most women probably know nothing about cars but I have a family full of uncles and none of them are around me right now or else they would be fixing it for me. I probably would be able to do it I am pretty handy but I would need step by step visuals to see what I am supposed to be doing. But now if I drop my car off for an oil change or whatever I sound crazy explaining to them how to take my key out of the ignition and I'm afraid they won't be able to take the key out and leave the doors unlocked.
 
Do you know what I can do for dirty gas? I'm 100% sure I received bad gas from the station, my car is not 100% and I sometimes have problems with it starting but it will but not the first few times like it's not getting gas, changed fuel filter put a high octane in and a gasoline antifreeze/water remover but it still doesn't sound 100% have any ideas what i should do.

Messages Page 7 of 9

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