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06 with key stuck in ignition


luvmy02impala
10-30-2009, 10:54 AM
Hello,

Anyone have this trouble? The key is stuck in the ignition. The key will turn to start the car, and it will start. However when you shut it off, it only goes back as far as the ACC position. It just will not come out. I called OnStar and had them run a diagnostic for any codes and nothing, nada.

This is the 2nd time this occurred, the previosu time I had it fixed and they replaced this switch thing in the column, not the key cyclinder as they first thought it was. It was explained to me that when a certain fuse blows, it does not permit the key to be removed.

My question is, what could possibly cause this fuse to trip and hold my key?

Annoyed in NJ.

luvmy02impala
11-09-2009, 01:33 PM
UPDATE:

Was told this is a common problem in GM vehicles. Had the solenoid replaced in steering column and key would not disengage and come out. Then shop replaced the shift assembly and key would still not come out. GM reported that a solenoid on the shift assembly could be the culprit as it controls letting the key be removed from ignition when car is put into park. Since still in colum, shop left original shift assembly in car. Then the shop jumped the solenoid in the shift assembly to the solenoid on the steering column and the key comes out. The dealer assisting them told them it could be a bad wire between the 2 solenoids or the BCM. Now have to pay the dealer to check either to see if one, the other or both is the issue. At least my regular shop did not charge me any of the work because they could not resolve it.

The work around is driving a car without the steering column bezel installed. We just reach up and push the solenoid button and the ignition could be turned off and key removed. It sucks, but I will wait until after the holidays to get fixes.

I will post the update since it looks like it could happen to more people.

BTW, the shop had a blazer in the same time my Impala was in and changing the shift assembly resolved the trouble and the key is able to be removed.

-Tom

chevymandan
10-09-2011, 08:03 PM
I have an 04 impala and I had the same problem with the key getting stuck. Takes about 30 min and $0 to fix. Only tool you need is a flat head screw driver.
1. Take off lower panel by drivers side feet for access
2. You will see a cable coming from the back of the ignition. This cable only allows you to start the car when it is in P or N and only allows you to shift out of park when your foot is on the brake. There is a black piece with a white plastic clip on it. Pull this clip out (not off) with the flat head screw driver. This allows you to move the cable in and out for adjustment. When you think you have it, press the clip back in and give it a try. You want to make sure that you can only shift from P when your foot is on the brake and that you can only start the car in P or N. And of course you want to make sure you can get the key in and out. If it does not work try again. It takes a few tries to get it right.

luvmy02impala
10-13-2011, 07:35 AM
UPDATE:

Was told this is a common problem in GM vehicles. Had the solenoid replaced in steering column and key would not disengage and come out. Then shop replaced the shift assembly and key would still not come out. GM reported that a solenoid on the shift assembly could be the culprit as it controls letting the key be removed from ignition when car is put into park. Since still in colum, shop left original shift assembly in car. Then the shop jumped the solenoid in the shift assembly to the solenoid on the steering column and the key comes out. The dealer assisting them told them it could be a bad wire between the 2 solenoids or the BCM. Now have to pay the dealer to check either to see if one, the other or both is the issue. At least my regular shop did not charge me any of the work because they could not resolve it.

The work around is driving a car without the steering column bezel installed. We just reach up and push the solenoid button and the ignition could be turned off and key removed. It sucks, but I will wait until after the holidays to get fixes.

I will post the update since it looks like it could happen to more people.

BTW, the shop had a blazer in the same time my Impala was in and changing the shift assembly resolved the trouble and the key is able to be removed.

-Tom

I forgot to update. There was a bad wire connection in the dashboard and the dealer fixed. Key comes out fine.

Hope this helps anyone who had an issue similar,

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