NEED Answer to the **Ultimate Key Question**

I think this needs to be a sticky thread... ;)

I know that many of us have had the "key stuck in ignition" issue.
Mine has been in there for about a year!
I had a key made from the VIN of my car and use that to get in. I am soooooo tired of it.

So, I want to start at the Least expensive fixing option and go from there.

I have seen many answers, but dont know where to start.

Can someone, or everyone, imput their answers here?

How do I get to the key release button?
Where would I put the bolt if I needed to put on in there?
Why does it cost $500 to replace the soloniod?

Thanks! You are all so helpful!!!

I think this needs to be a sticky thread... ;)

I know that many of us have had the "key stuck in ignition" issue.
Mine has been in there for about a year!
I had a key made from the VIN of my car and use that to get in. I am soooooo tired of it.

So, I want to start at the Least expensive fixing option and go from there.

I have seen many answers, but dont know where to start.

Can someone, or everyone, imput their answers here?

How do I get to the key release button?
Where would I put the bolt if I needed to put on in there?
Why does it cost $500 to replace the soloniod?

Thanks! You are all so helpful!!!


OK, cheapest. If it's a 1997 or newer.
Look under where key goes. You will see a rubber plug. Remove it. Take a pencil and stick it in. You will feel (with key in "on" like you are pushing a plate in. Turn key off, take out key.
If you don't get this fixed soon, find something better then pencil to use. Lead will end up braking off in there. And that sucks.

I'm sorry. It cost $500.00 because it's a damn dealer. I wouldn't put a bolt in anywhere.
I think that's all you asked.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/p0000000138.jpg

Where in Vegas are you? I'm here too and I'll help you if you want.

Where in Vegas are you? I'm here too and I'll help you if you want.

We may have our first date on this site. Keep us informed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/kustomkid54/cymbals.jpg

Where in Vegas are you? I'm here too and I'll help you if you want.


Thanks for the offer. I am in Green Valley. Have you had that problem too?

We may have our first date on this site. Keep us informed.
Well, he would have to talk to my husband about that first ;)

:grinno:
My wife would'nt mind me helping another GPer but I dont think she would approve of dating one.

:grinno:
My wife would'nt mind me helping another GPer but I dont think she would approve of dating one.


OK guys. I was only kidding. :sorry:

I'm at Flamingo and Durango 6 miles from the strip.
I had the key stuck problem two times. One was a dead battery. The other was when I replaced my shift knob and had to do some adjusting cause it wasnt going all the way into park. Everything works now.

I am having the same problem (on 97 GTP), along with not being able to get it out of park unless I use the emergency release button. I replaced the brake switch since it was only about $20 but that wasn't the problem either.

I was told it is most likely the lock cylinder (which I really doubt) but I can't figure out how to remove the old one. Anyone know how?

I removed the plastic shield under the steering column and removed the wire going to the lock solenoid and I'm only getting 4 volts there. It should be 12. The same thing with the shift lock solenoid. Does anyone have any ideas on what the problem is, or how to further check it out? Anyone have a wiring diagram showing this circuit? Help!!!! :naughty:

I did find this posting, which explains how to remove the lock cylinder - woo hoo - http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2279687&highlight=replacing+ignition+switch+harness#post22 79687

This posting also leads me to believe the problem may very well be the ignition switch, not the ignition cylinder. Anybody have the wiring diagram for the switch, or can tell me how to test this???

OK guys. I was only kidding. :sorry:

Hey it was a good try!

I have an automatic...not sure it that makes a difference.
We are working on getting the steering cover off, but I did not have the tools. I am scared to do that, though.
I locked my key in the car this morning! I am just so over it.
Ericvrose, I will PM you...

Just as an update. I replaced the ignition switch and that was the whole problem.

OK guys. I was only kidding. :sorry:

What an ass :naughty: :grinno:

For more help in diagnosing this, see post

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2082872#post2082872