Electrical problem?

I have a 99 Grand Prix GT and my key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. Let me try to describe what's been happening and hopefully someone can help me.

Over the last week or so, my key has been increasingly tougher to remove from the ignition, a couple times I had to turn the steering wheel to remove it.

Today I parked my car (it's been running fine) and turned the car off. Normally, the stereo stays on until the door opens, but it went off as soon as the car was off. Then, I noticed all the interior lights shut off, even with the door open. So I got out and closed the door. I attempted to lock the car with my remote, but nothing happened.

So I got back in the car and put the key in the ignition to see if I didn't have it in Park all the way. Not the case. Not only that, but now the key won't return to "off" and I can't remove the key from the ignition. Nothing happens when I turn the key to start or on. None of the electrical works.

I have absolutely no idea what the problem could be, though I'm by no means any kind of guru when it comes to cars, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome to AF.

It sounds like your ignition switch is in bad shape. Your are losing retained accessory power (rap), 12 volts to the shift interlock in the console, 12 volts to the key release solenoid and to the body control module (BCM) which controls theft-deterrent, RKE operation and interior lighting.

Also, check all your fuses like BTSI.

My '99 GTP is doing the exact same thing, but I can usually get my key out. After it sits for a mintue or two, it'll usually start.

I don't know what the crap is up with it unless there's a loose connection somewhere or a wire grounding out somewhere.

Does yours occasionally have all the electrical stuff flicker on and off a few times when you put it in gear?

Welcome to AF.

It sounds like your ignition switch is in bad shape. Your are losing retained accessory power (rap), 12 volts to the shift interlock in the console, 12 volts to the key release solenoid and to the body control module (BCM) which controls theft-deterrent, RKE operation and interior lighting.

Thanks for the welcome and for the advice. Any idea on a $ estimate for replacement? I won't be able to do it myself, as I have little know-how and even fewer tools.

A quick google search showed a range of around $75-$100...does that sound right?

My '99 GTP is doing the exact same thing, but I can usually get my key out. After it sits for a mintue or two, it'll usually start.

I don't know what the crap is up with it unless there's a loose connection somewhere or a wire grounding out somewhere.

Does yours occasionally have all the electrical stuff flicker on and off a few times when you put it in gear?

I haven't noticed that, but I did notice today that my radar detector shut off and turned back on everytime I pressed the brakes...that really seemed odd to me.

And I too have been able to eventually get the key out, but late tonight I haven't had such luck.

Thanks for the welcome and for the advice. Any idea on a $ estimate for replacement? I won't be able to do it myself, as I have little know-how and even fewer tools.

A quick google search showed a range of around $75-$100...does that sound right?

It varies but that is close. The labor will be up there due to electrical work and labor costs. The ignition switch is dealer only and make sure you get one for '99 only. It changed on 2000 and up models.

We have a great DIY procedure if you are are willing to tackle it but if not the GM dealer is your best bet or a general auto mechanic that has GM experience but reasonable labor charges.

This what it looks like:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/switch_igntion.gif

I agree with Bob, but before you go too far, double check the condition of your battery. Take both cables off and check for corrosion, and have the battery load tested. If the battery checks out, then you need the ignition harness like Bob said.

My battery's good, I had that checked when the car first started doing this. However, I'm due for an oil change and brake service, so I'm just going to let the dealership take a look at it when I go in for that. (Luckily, the dealership I use doesn't automatically look at me like I'm nuts when I make diagnostic suggestions just because I'm female.)

Just wanted to add that my ignition switch wasn't my problem. Turns out the power wire to my amp and speakers was grounding out, causing my problem. Fixed that, and my car hasn't acted up since.

I also wanted to update...the problem turned out being my alternator (at least according to the mechanic). I just picked the car up, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it was my only problem. The half-full view says I should be glad it lasted 100K miles. :)

Thanks all for the help.

had this happin on a 97 grandpirx..wouldnt give us or start...it was the ground wires on frame under hood left side...wiggled n fine ..finally had to take apart clean with sand paper n never nuther prolem

had this happin on a 97 grandpirx..wouldnt give us or start...it was the ground wires on frame under hood left side...wiggled n fine ..finally had to take apart clean with sand paper n never nuther prolem

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