Key stuck in ignition

Hello out there.
I've got this key stuck problem and was just wondering how hard it is to replace and where to start.

99GP GT

Wylie, I moved your post to a new thread.

For now try the key release to get the key out. Under the plastic steering column cover is a cover. Remove cover and stick a pen in there to release the key. It could be a park/shift interlock issue at the center console, key release solenoid or even an issue with the key tumbler.

Most likely it is the BTSI solenoid on the shifter. I know from the dealer you have to buy an entire shifter assembly to get the solenoid. I'm not sure if they are available aftermarket.

Read my extensive post about my key being stuck....

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=907156&highlight=key+ignition

turned out my problem was actually the key lock solonoid. I diagnosed it by connecting a test light into its connector. The test light worked, but the solonoid was "lazy" and was only working about half the time. I just took it out, with intent to replace it, but havn't yet.

I'll bet your problem is similar to mine.

Thanx tblake: funny when I read that thread about you in the driveway.
That's where my problem started and I did the exact same thing only there was a WTF in there some where.

Thanx again for posting pics.

Wylie what does it do under the following:

Ignition to ON. Shifter in PARK. Foot on brake. Press the button on the top of the shifter.

You should hear the key release solenoid at the steering column clunk. This may help split the baby between an issue at the steering column or center console or at least what direction to head.

The bottom line is the problem will not fix itself and has to be troubleshot or properly diagnosed. Good luck!

Hi B; no click but the steering column seams like the easiest place to start.

Yeah wylie, Thats how I diagnosed mine, like Bob Stated, I had my steering column apart, and had the solonoid in my hand. I had the ignition on, foot on brake, and kept pressing the button on the shifter. The solonoid only worked 50% of the time. Then I inserted a test light into its socket, and the test light worked perfectly as it should when I pressed and released the button.

I spent a lot of time at the BTSI connector checking for power/ground. I even had a wiring diagram and jumpered pins to make the car thing I want the key released.... When nothing seemed to work I cleaned out all the gunk and pop and dirt, applied some graphite lubricant, and put it all backtogether. Then I hit the steering comlumn.

Once I found the problem I called the dealership with the part number. It was over 50 bucks, and they had to order one. The parts guy also told me that they "used to stock it, it was a pretty common part" whatever that meant? Maybe a lot of people were replacing it?

Every problem will be different, but good luck.

Hello out there.
I've got this key stuck problem and was just wondering how hard it is to replace and where to start.

99GP GThad the same problem on my 02, remove the little cap under the steering column, insert a thin screwdriver where the ignition lock release is positioned ( under sterring column ) and measure how far the screwdriver has to travel in order to release the key lock. Then take that measurement and measure a piece of plastic thin enough that would fit up in the ignition lock. super glue the thin plastic piece to the cap that goes under the steering column and pop the cap back in place. Do the same for the shifter if it ever gets stuck in park! (remove the little shift lock release cap next to the shifter )

had the same problem on my 02, remove the little cap under the steering column, insert a thin screwdriver where the ignition lock release is positioned ( under sterring column ) and measure how far the screwdriver has to travel in order to release the key lock. Then take that measurement and measure a piece of plastic thin enough that would fit up in the ignition lock. super glue the thin plastic piece to the cap that goes under the steering column and pop the cap back in place. Do the same for the shifter if it ever gets stuck in park! (remove the little shift lock release cap next to the shifter )

:screwy:

You think one day it might be a good to idea to actually fix the problem? Thats how they do things in third world countries.

had the same problem on my 02, remove the little cap under the steering column, insert a thin screwdriver where the ignition lock release is positioned ( under sterring column ) and measure how far the screwdriver has to travel in order to release the key lock. Then take that measurement and measure a piece of plastic thin enough that would fit up in the ignition lock. super glue the thin plastic piece to the cap that goes under the steering column and pop the cap back in place. Do the same for the shifter if it ever gets stuck in park! (remove the little shift lock release cap next to the shifter )

Thanx for the tip but when I actually get time to work on this I think I will use a different solution.
I just wondering when I get the solenoid out will it come back to life with a little lube?

The first step Wylie is making sure you have the 12 volts to the key release solenoid at the steering column and the issue is not at the shifter assembly. If present then tackle the key release solenoid.

Thanx for the tip but when I actually get time to work on this I think I will use a different solution.
I just wondering when I get the solenoid out will it come back to life with a little lube?

I dont think so wylie, I tried to take mine apart, but it seems to be like plastic pressed together with brass. Its all one unit. Plus I think any "wet" type lubricant like wd40 would actually slow down the movement. If nothing else, throw some graphite lubricant in there. Its a fiarly cheap part when you order it from the net. (30.00 or so)

[quote=BNaylor;5933851]:screwy:

450.00 for a shifter and another 300 and change for a new ignition switch? Plus Labour! 3rd world or not, i did that procedure to my car 2 years ago on both the igniton and shifter. Works just perfect !

When solenoids become weak usually there is no hope except to replace the solenoid.

450.00 for a shifter and another 300 and change for a new ignition switch? Plus Labour! 3rd world or not, i did that procedure to my car 2 years ago on both the igniton and shifter. Works just perfect !

you may have fixed your car this way...and that is your personal preference, however here on a forum we try to give professional and accurate advise as to how to fix a problem...not the half a$$ way.

and not throwing parts at it. Most of us dont have the moolah to be doing this especially in todays economy.

Ok too many senerio`s in regards to KEY STUCK situtation. LOL I`m going to post some pics and everyone of these Grand Prix`s have the same problem. Doesn`t require buying a new shift solenoid or anything just fix these two wires and your ok. This plug is adjacent the shifter near the bottom. It`s going to take some time to fix and some soldering skills. Goodd Luck:smokin::smokin: jump your steering lock solenoid with a battery and see if it cycles then check the plug it plugs into with a test light and see if you got power with the shifter button depressed.

lol it's funny now reading about this. By no means was it hilarious when it was happening to me! I had this problem for MONTHS a few years back, all I had to do was keep pressing the shifter til it finally clicked enough and out came the key lol! It was truely ridiculous though for sure, the problem just went away by itself! ;-)

hello sorry I'm late but I found out that if the key all of a sudden works then stops...then the wire in the harness under the console usually a redish pink color is separating from the harness. DO NOT BUY ANOTHER CONSLE...TOO MUCH MONEY all you have to do is buy a 20 gauge roll of wire strip the wire from the harness splice a piece of new wire to it about 5inches to say the most pull the blue wire retainer from the harness...shove the new wire in it, but make sure you pull the BTSI fuse from the panel. after that your done the top half of the console comes off with no tools just snaps in. There is barely any room but it works first time fix for me! Oh and put the fuse and blue retainer back in also...sorry firgot to post that!