key does not come out

I have a 2002 SE and sometimes when I put it in park, the key will not come out. I have to wait for a "click" in the ignition - usually about 30 seconds or more- then I am able to turn the key to the off position and remove it.

Does anyone know what this is?

I have a 2002 SE and sometimes when I put it in park, the key will not come out. I have to wait for a "click" in the ignition - usually about 30 seconds or more- then I am able to turn the key to the off position and remove it.

Does anyone know what this is?


Yep,
Same thing happened to my 2000. Got so bad I had to use the release button on the center console to get it out of park. You need to have the ignition switch replaced on the steering column. It controls the shift lock on the shifter. My switch would not turn all the way back to allow the key to be removed.

I have a 2002 SE and sometimes when I put it in park, the key will not come out. I have to wait for a "click" in the ignition - usually about 30 seconds or more- then I am able to turn the key to the off position and remove it.

Does anyone know what this is?
this happened to my 2002 aztek the shifter switch went bad this is the switch that tells the key switch it is in park to release the key

It is called Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). The shifter assembly in the console has a switch-solenoid (shift interlock) that has to send a release signal to the key release solenoid in the steering column. Replacement of the shifter assembly or shift interlock solenoid normally resolves the problem in a Grand Prix.

It is called Brake Transmission Shift Interlock (BTSI). The shifter assembly in the console has a switch-solenoid (shift interlock) that has to send a release signal to the key release solenoid in the steering column. Replacement of the shifter assembly or shift interlock solenoid normally resolves the problem in a Grand Prix.

Just looked at my invoice.
Tech listed problem as: Ign switch faulty, not energizing BTSI fuse.
Diagnosed and installed Ing switch.

Part # 26068757 ...$118.00
Total labor & parts ...$286.37

Hope this helps you out...

Not that the ignition switch and harness assembly wouldn't go bad in a 2002 model GP, however, I would exercise caution and perform additional troubleshooting before possibly wasting any money or replacing parts that may not fix the problem. His key release solenoid is working after a 30 second delay and not totally non-op. Therefore, I would not say this particular problem is the ignition switch with any degree of certainty.

The circuit is very easy to troubleshoot DIY with a multimeter. If you check for 12v at the BTSI fuse socket and it is missing it could be the ignition switch. If present, the problem is further down towards shift solenoids and park switch. The 12v to the ignition switch comes from IGN MAIN 1 located in the engine compartment fuse box so the first voltage check can be performed there. The BTSI fuse is located in the passenger side instrument fuse box.

I'm not saying to just go ahead and replace the ing. switch. I'm just saying that is what was wrong with mine. The problem he is having is the same that I had. Key would not come out until the 30 sec click. I let it go and it got worse. Many times the key would never come out and I would have to lock the car with the key in the ignition. One Pontiac dealer I took it to, ran the codes and said it was the brake switch on the pedal. It was replaced, and as soon as I paid, I went to leave and it would not go into drive. Shut it off, and key was stuck. They kept the car for a few days, messed with the brake switch, and never could get it to work. I took it to another Pontiac dealer, they replaced the ign. switch and now I have no problems.

After reading all the threads I figured out how to get the key out of my 05 Vibe. I disconnected the cable from the ignition solenoid and the key came out. Now I need to troubleshoot to see what the problem is. I could not take a voltage reading at the fuse so I disconnected the connector to the solenoid and was only able to read 10.32 volts there. Is there some loss thru the wireing or do I have a bad connection? Anybody know?
Ron