Getmemortgage

Hello,
I have 2003 Grand Prix, recently i started having problems with my ignition switch. Sometimes key gets stuck and I can't take it out after I turnoff the car.
Does anyone knows what is the problem?
Thank you.

BNaylor

The Grand Prix as well as other cars have a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) system. For safety the key can only be removed in PARK. The shifter in the console has a shift interlock and park switch that sends 12 volts to the key release solenoid which is part of the ignition switch assembly. If you ever spilled coffee or soda on the center console the electrical components may get damaged or mechanically stick. I've seen a mix of problems as the cause. Bad shift interlock which will require replacement of the complete shifter assembly, missing 12 volts to the BTSI circuits and fuse, ignition switch and harness assembly or the key release solenoid switch located in the steering column. BTW - The ignition switch and the key release solenoid are different parts although located together in the steering column.

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'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Dark Slate Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8
'08 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP (Liquid Silver Metallic) - LS4 5.3L V8
'02 Oldsmobile Alero GL2 - LA1 3400 V6
'99 Buick Regal LS - L36 Series II 3800 V6
'03 Honda CR250R MX - 2 Stroke 250cc
'97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - L67 Series II 3800 V6 Supercharged
Timeslip 08/12/06

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2000GPGTBlue2dr

I had the same problem with my 2000 GT. Guess what??? Here's what is wrong. I replaced the shifter ($250) thinking it was the solenoid attached to it, and the P R N D 3 2 1 lights on the dash still kept flickering, and the key would not release out of the ignition when I put the car in park...

There's a 10 amp fuse for the BTSI (see your owner's manual) which is the Automatic Transaxle Shifter Module. Believe it or not sometimes the fuse doesn't make contact with the fuse housing causing an intermitent connection that causes the BTSI that controls or signals the solenoid near ignition that the car is in park thus releasing the lock to work "off and on."

So here's what you do.... Take that fuse out clean it off, and then actually bend the 2 pieces of metal sticking out of the fuse in opposite directions so that when you put the fuse back in, it ensures a stronger connection to the pieces of metal inside the fuse housing. I did this and the lights no longer flicker, and everytime I have the car in park I can shift to other gears, and I can release the key out of the ignition.