Key Not Releasing

Ok, I have a 99 Grand Prix GT. I was having trouble getting my key to release and had it diagnosed 3 times. They cleaned the celonoid, cut me a new key, changed my ignition switch and now, they're telling me that I need a whole shifter replaced. I have talked to many people and gotten many tips and explanations. has anyone else had this problem? Any solutions? Is it true that it might just be a spring in the shifter that's loose and I don't need to spend over $500 replacing the shifter?

Ok, I have a 99 Grand Prix GT. I was having trouble getting my key to release and had it diagnosed 3 times. They cleaned the celonoid, cut me a new key, changed my ignition switch and now, they're telling me that I need a whole shifter replaced. I have talked to many people and gotten many tips and explanations. has anyone else had this problem? Any solutions? Is it true that it might just be a spring in the shifter that's loose and I don't need to spend over $500 replacing the shifter?

Look where the key is, below that you will see a rubber plug. Take it out. Then stick something like a nail punch or something with a small point on it. When you put it in, you will feel a small plate. Push easy. Turn key and take it out.

Good luck

My car has had the key stuck for OVER a year.
After many attempts and little sucess, I am giving in. It is in the shop right now getting the solonoid replaced. It is about $450.
I am at that point where I dont care. I can not handle it anymore. I think it will be worth it if it is fixed for good.

I have had that problem and it was my shifter that was locking and I had to change a few censors too... but mainly because the shifter was locking and recently on my new car my battery cable was slipping out because of my subs and that can also be a problem... On my old grand prix that was a major problem (the battery cable)

You would think that with such MAJOR problems like this, they would do a recall.
Probably because it is not a safety issue? Major theft issue though.
I know I am not thrilled and it will definately affect my next buying decision.

You would think that with such MAJOR problems like this, they would do a recall.
Probably because it is not a safety issue? Major theft issue though.
I know I am not thrilled and it will definately affect my next buying decision.
well stay positive...

You would think that with such MAJOR problems like this, they would do a recall.
Probably because it is not a safety issue? Major theft issue though.
I know I am not thrilled and it will definately affect my next buying decision.

They won't do a recall because it's not a safty item. But if a few of you guys want to smash your.............. :rofl:

Finally Fixed!!!
I got an entire new shifter. It is like a whole new car! I can actually use my keyless entry again and lock & unlock it from the outside. I could not do that for a year!
Sucks that I had to spend alot of $$$ to do it, but I am a happier person that I did.
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now onto the air conditioner blower motor.

Finally Fixed!!!
I got an entire new shifter. It is like a whole new car! I can actually use my keyless entry again and lock & unlock it from the outside. I could not do that for a year!
Sucks that I had to spend alot of $$$ to do it, but I am a happier person that I did.
.
.
.
.
.
.
now onto the air conditioner blower motor.

Im glad you didnt give up... yeah once that shift lock is damage its down hill from there...

that is a module that need to be replaced

my old car first started out that 1.2.3 wouldn't work and then it completely stopped working (in the winter) so I had to get it fixed... I recommend just buying the part and you or someone who have skills put it in... once I seen the part I was mad I paid 260 to get it fixed... and that will solve your problem if the lcd on your ac controls are out...

yea i had a similar problem on an older car i had, it was an '88 chevy caprice, and my key kept getting stuck. i hear those older GM cars like that were easy to steal too, one reason why i got rid of it.

key release selenoid part number 26046984

dealer 44$ gmpartsdirect.com 25$ wahoo

Hmmmm.. Problem is solved after many attempts and different options. It FINALLY was traced down to being a problem with the shifter, so the whole shifter was replaced, after the ignition switch was replaced, and also after the selonoid was cleaned and replaced. So, after 3 diagnostic scans and two failed attempts, they finally decided to change the shifter and that has solved the problem. My car has been problem free for over a year now. I wonder if anybody else will have the same problem with the shifter...

You guys think this may be cheesy but this is the fastest, most simple, and pimp solution of all but it may not work for everyone. I had the same prob on my 00 gtp. i would sit there and fight with the key for 5 mins and just grab the remote and roll. but where i park my car sometimes isnt the nicest areas. one day the key wouldnt come out so i flipped and i yanked the remote(thinking that it would just pull off) but it pulled the key right out. so now i can pull the key out with the car running, and lock it. or if the ignition doesnt click all the way back i just pull it out. but you still have to have the key to start it. i like it like that better neways. my 2 cents.

Ok, I have a 99 Grand Prix GT. I was having trouble getting my key to release and had it diagnosed 3 times. They cleaned the celonoid, cut me a new key, changed my ignition switch and now, they're telling me that I need a whole shifter replaced. I have talked to many people and gotten many tips and explanations. has anyone else had this problem? Any solutions? Is it true that it might just be a spring in the shifter that's loose and I don't need to spend over $500 replacing the shifter?
Look under the steering column right under the key. There is a small hole w/ a plastic cap. Pop the cap off (very easy). Take a slender ink pen w/ the cap off. Put the car in Park, turn the key off, then insert the pen into the hole (it is pretty shallow, so you don't have to fish around) you will feel it push a release button, then finish turning the key and pull it out. It literally takes two seconds. Just keep a pen in your car.

the same thing was happening w/ mine when i bought it last month from a local pontiac dealer...i worked it in as part of the sale, and luckily they knew right off the bat that the shifter assembly needed to be replaced...saved me several hundred bucks...

OK, interesting thread. My car is at a local dealership right now getting looked at. 2000 GT with 108K miles.

Here's the series of events:
1. First thing in the morning, drove car 10 miles to local McDonalds. Turned off car. 15 minutes later, moved car to next door shopping mall parking lot. left car there for the day.

2. Started car and went over to Menards acorss the street. Turned car off and went into Meards for 30 minutes.

3. Came out to leave and car would not start. Car stereo was not powering on properly and engine would not turn off.

4. Jumped car and drove him. "Trac Off" light stayed lit and would not shut off after pressing TRAC button.

5. Parked car at home. Shut off car and removd key. Exited car. Headights remained on and battery drained as a result.

6. This morning had car jumped drive around for 1 Hr plus. Parked at local dealership. Shut car off. Key stuck in ignition and car will not turn over or start.

Does this appear to be the same problem?