02 Grand Prix with stuck key problem

My daughter's key gets stuck like many others I've seen searching the web. We bought the car last year and the key lock was broken so the key came out no matter what position it was in. The first thing I did was replace the lock which is when the stuck key problem started.

I've verified the fuse is good and there's voltage. The key generally comes out on it's own after several minutes or maybe hours but not a minute or two like some have suggested.

I just tried removing the key by jamming a pen up the hole under the key lock and that works. It seems the next step is replacing the shifter assembly. But I'm wondering if the fact that the key comes out this way means there is something in the column that is broken and not the BTSI switch? If so, how do I check that?

I looked up the shifter on GM Parts Direct and it comes with or without leather. My daughter's 40th anniversary edition has leather so I assume I should buy the one with leather but her car is maroon (which it seems all are) but the site didn't ask me what color nor did it ask if it was a 40th edition so I'm wondering what color they would send or do I reuse the old one? It's kind of worn out so I'd like a new one, especially when I have to buy the whole assembly just to fix one part of it.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Yes, it could be a bad BTSI solenoid, which means a whole new shifter....

It could also be a bad wire(s) going to the BTSI solenoid, so if you just go out and buy a new shifter, you spent money for nothing.....you would have to remove the top of the center console to look at the wire harness going to the solenoid....give a slight tug on the individual wires, and a wire might break off(lot of flexing going on down there)...I have fixed way more harnesses, than I have replaced shifters, for this problem....

Finally, your other option would be(the cheapest), remove the trim covers of the steering wheel....you know that solenoid you push up on to remove the key? Just wrap a plastic tie around it so the plunger stays up....REMEMBER.....this is a safety device....it prevents you from removing the key unless you are in Park....so say you are in Drive, and you turn the key to off, the key will shut the car off, but now you will be able to remove the key, with the shifter still in drive....the car could then roll if you then just get out of it....so it is a safety device....but most people tend to put the car in park before shutting the vehicle off.....by eliminating the Park/Lock solenoid plunger, you will have to be aware of this.....

I forgot to mention that I brought the car to a mechanic and he checked the BTSI switch and connections. As things go, it didn't get stuck when he was looking at it but he said all the connections were ok. But I think I'll check it myself before installing a new shifter. Thanks.

I had this same issue. I ended up using the button under the steering wheel for like two months before i figured out the real problem. I had some faulty wires. I had to take out the center console to get to them. The wire went bad right where it entered the wire harness. I think my(and proably yours) keys came out every once in a while because the wires would eventually touch/arch. I just stripped some of the wire threw some solder in the mix and i was good to go. When your looking for a bad wire, look for any cracks in the wires right where the wire enters the harness. My wire wasnt completly broke in half, but rather just cracked. I gave it a slit pull and it ended up ripping right out. Hope this helps you and anyone else out there.

I am having similar issues I am working on a 2001 grand prix a car that the key will come out in any position..car running, accessory etc. (maybe someone yanked it out because it was stuck??..and I noticed the blower motor only works in the highest setting..it will work in the high setting . Day lights seem to run like they should and no other lights seem to be malfunctioning.

I checked Hvac fuses all got power even when motor was in lower settings.

The shifter does click when I hit the button on the knob. I'm just not sure what I should do first. Should I replace the key lock? Is it a big deal or just annoying or something that should be fixed?? change blower resistor or heater control.