Key will sometimes not release.

99GTP I had this problem b4 but also it would not come out of park so i ordered a new shifter assembly from edmoradparts and replaced it roughly 6 months ago... the problem is back but the car does not have the problem getting out of park. Is there a different problem or the same one?


Thanks.

Can anyone help?!!

This thread:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=98781&referrerid=390789

Has lots of info on it. It's the lengthiest thread for this topic on the GP Forum.
The problem seems to lie in one (or more) of three areas.


Shifter solenoid (part of the shifter assembly as you already know)
BTSI fuse
A release solenoid in the steering column


Unfortunately, I didn't see a way to determine which of the 3 it may be.

I just wanted to thank everyone that helped me i mean you guys really went out of your way....

I just ended zip tieing the button under the dash down.

But seriously thanks monkey.... for your attempt.

Its not that people don't want to help you. What you need to do before you get on and start asking questions (I know because I've been there too) is to search the forums. A lot of the problems that people post on here have been hashed several times. If you can't find what your looking for after searching then chances are your the first to have that problem. I have 3 mighty thick service manuals for the GTP and I still use the forums to see people's personal experiences. The service manuals are nice to have and I use them but I like hearing what people go through and what stupid little issues they run into.

This thread:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=98781&referrerid=390789

Has lots of info on it. It's the lengthiest thread for this topic on the GP Forum.
The problem seems to lie in one (or more) of three areas.


Shifter solenoid (part of the shifter assembly as you already know)
BTSI fuse
A release solenoid in the steering column


Unfortunately, I didn't see a way to determine which of the 3 it may be.

Wow, that is an interesting thread.

I have 3 mighty thick service manuals for the GTP and I still use the forums to see people's personal experiences. The service manuals are nice to have and I use them but I like hearing what people go through and what stupid little issues they run into.

Good points DJ JEFF aka tahoejunk. On these type problems the key is to use proper documentation specifically the GM FSM and follow a logical troubleshooting routine. Of course, these circuits are not that easy to access and troubleshoot. The problem Joe Blow had may not be yours but it is good to review old threads to get a good idea. Also, there are changes in the color coding of wiring between different year model Grand Prixs and some hardware changes to the BTSI/key release components.


Wow, that is an interesting thread.

Yeah, so interesting, out of control, confusing and convoluted that we decided to close it from any further posts. :wink:

Since we're back on this topic again...
What would be a recommended method for evaluating the 3 parts (2 solenoids and BTSI fuse) to find the faulty one? Is it really just trial/error?

The long thread indicated some testing with meters, but nobody seemed to agree that was a valid test.

Since we're back on this topic again...
What would be a recommended method for evaluating the 3 parts (2 solenoids and BTSI fuse) to find the faulty one? Is it really just trial/error?

The long thread indicated some testing with meters, but nobody seemed to agree that was a valid test.

To start since you are not the OP what exactly is YOUR problem with the shift interlock/key release? Next, what documentation are you using? What have you done to date?

It is trial and error if you are without proper documentation and test equipment like a DMM to properly troubleshoot the problem. With a DMM you can check the solenoid inputs and ground but a roadmap would help or you may get lost. :2cents:

To start since you are not the OP what exactly is YOUR problem with the shift interlock/key release? Next, what documentation are you using? What have you done to date?

Sorry. I didn't realize there was more than one problem.
Put in park, turn off the ignition, Key won't turn past the On position to release. Do the little Drive-Park-Drive-Park thing a few times and it will let go.

I have removed the center console and inspected for broken/loose wires. I didn't see any. There is nothing spilled in the area. Since I disconnected all of the wiring harnesses (to remove the console) and reconnected them, I have not had the problem. That was about a week ago, but I haven't driven it much since then. None of the harnesses seemed loose when I detached them, but I suppose that could have been the issue.

I have also done the recommended BTSI fuse-bend trick.

I have a Chilton manual, but I don't know how to read the electrical diagrams and I don't have any electrical test equipment.

I think I'll go a few more weeks with my console out (easier to see/hear the shift solenoid click out) and try to determine if the shifter is sending the signal and the column doesn't receive it, or if the shifter never clicks to begin with.

Question: On the right (passenger) end of the solenoid in the shifter, there's a white disk on a pin. When I go to Park, this disk gets pushed out. That's what I'm watching/listening for. I assumed that's relevant. Is it?