key hard to get out sometimes

[prix2001]

Sometimes I can get my key out and then I have a hard time and it takes me about five min. to get it out. Some one told me it might be the solenoid. Need help.

[commutergp]

<<Some one told me it might be the solenoid>>
I think they ment the key lock "cylinder". Sounds to me that the tumblers are going away and the cylinder needs to be replaced.
Mark

[mike561]

do these cylinders wear out after time or do they just get messed up from abuse or something? mine works perfectly but i dont want to have to worry about it in the near future seeing as how mine is a 98

[commutergp]

Originally Posted by mike561

do these cylinders wear out after time or do they just get messed up from abuse or something? mine works perfectly but i dont want to have to worry about it in the near future seeing as how mine is a 98

Mainly - the more you use them the faster they wear out. I've seen cars that are only 5 years old with worn key cylinders. They are mostly driven for deliveries. I.E. A LOT of key in - start vehicle - stop - key out type of situations. Also I have seen vintage cars from the forties and older with the original cylinders still functioning without fail. In otherwords - don't worry about it until there's a problem.

Mark

[regalfriend]

Im sure its unrelated , but it sounds like the same thing that happened to me when my battery went dead...the key would not come out until the car got a jump...i think its a pretty stupid flaw on GM's part...I had to leave the car with the key in the ignition for 30 minutes while i went to get a set of jumper cables