No key return & immobolizer

Hello,

I'm having a problem with my 2001 3.8L v6 Regal.

A few months ago it started not allowing me to take the key out once i switched it off.

I was working around it for a while by pressing the brake a few times, then listening for the relay click, then the key would come out fine.

A few more weeks went on (i know i got lazy, but i do all my own work on it and did not have time), and even the pressing brake pedal work around stopped working. I then found pressing the push down switch on top the gear shift a few times also made whatever relay click and allow me to take the key out. Then even that work around stopped.

A few times i found myself needing to get out the car and not being able to take the key out, so in my hast i yanked the key out. When i returned i started it up again and switched it off by waiting for the click and all was fine, except it would not give me the key back every time.

To cut a long story short, that went on for a few months. My wife goes to start it this morning and the car gives nothing, no lights, no clicking.

I think by pulling the key out etc i damaged the immobilizer, as the battery is new (less than 2 months).

Is there any way i can bypass the immobilizer?

The car is not the primary and is only used for dropping/picking up kids and grocery shopping.

Thanks,

Just did some more diags and thought i should update.

Battery is showing 2.8 volts. Cabin lights arn't even working.

Wife also said it refused to give her the key back a day or two ago and she pulled the key out by force. The ignition was on stage 1, with 3 being when the engine starts.

Not sure if the battery is faulty or a result of the car being left with ignition on 1 for two days.

Does the ignition on 1 use any current?

Any ideas guys?

Thanks in advance.

In my car, it doesn't use current in stage 1. It just unlock shifter and steering. It's mechanical.
But in yours, I think the relay use current in stage 1. About 150mA. So yes, it's the cause of the discharged battery.

I think I know what is the problem. It's the steering lock mechanism. Try to turn the wheel while turning off. Or a problem in the park lock mechanism. Put it in park completely. If it doesn't help, you need to replace the ignition cylinder.