Just Bought 99 GT

[99.P.GP-GT]

Hi, I'm new here, and I found this place by searching for the stuck ignition key problem, I have the same problem, sometimes when I turn off the car I can't get the key out of the ignition. What I do to get it out is turn it on, move it and turn it off again until I can get the key out. I noticed from the other thread that there are many possible problems that cause this. My car doors do unlock when i put it in P every time so maybe it does detect that it is in P, also I was assured there was never a spill, so I was wondering if anyone has any idea what the most likely problem is, and what things i should try and possibly replace, starting with the cheapest solution. But these are not my only problems, the trunk motor is also broken, and I really want to fix it because the alarm that the car came with has a key to pop the trunk, which would be nifty to be able to use, does anyone know what might be wrong with the motor, it makes an awful sound while trying to open but if its gonna be a couple hundred dollars I think I can livewith a manual trunk. Another thing with the Alarm Remote, it has Remote Ignition, and a lot of times I use it, the car will just turn off after a few seconds, and then it either stays off, or if it decides to keep trying to turn itself on failing every time after the first. If I get in and turn the key it runs and starts flawlessly, on the other hand when it does turn on the first try, its also flawless. Another minor thing is that my window controls on the drivers side door are set to "lock out" and I assume this means that only I can control the windows, which is the case, however, if I turn off the "lock out" button, none of the windows respond to any of the buttons in the car, not even mine, supposedly the motor for the front 2 windows was replaced, so even if the dealer had it done I should still have warranty on that for 30 days correct? There are probably a few more kinks and flaws I will discover or those that I might have forgotten about.
I am sorry for flooding with so many questions on my first post, I just love this car and I want it to be working as perfect as possible, Any Help at all would be Very Much ppreciated, Thanks in Advance

[richtazz]

First off, welcome to the forums. Our cars didn't come with a remote start option, so it's possible you have an aftermarket unit installed on the car. The trunk release actuator is not very expensive (even dealer retail is only $36.62, part number 16640848). The problem with your windows appears to be in the drivers switch. The lock out button is a safety feature. It has saved my dogs a couple of times, as they inadvertenly tried to shut their heads in the window by stepping on the switch. I always use it when they are in the car now, although it makes my wife crazy that she can't operate her own window. It's also there to prevent small children from doing the same (or to keep brats from throwing stuff out of the car and/or playing with the windows). The key issue is a solenoid that keeps you from removing the key while the car is in gear, or it could be a bad battery or dirty battery cable. That solenoid will start acting up if there is a voltage problem in the car, so that is the cheapest thing to check first.

[99.P.GP-GT]

awesome, that sounds like a bunch of good advice, maybe i should go to the dealer and have him do these repairs, and maybe do a general checkup.
would you recommend dealer or other mechanic?
any idea of the solenoid service fees?
should i just replace the battery and cable to be sure?
do you think the window thing will be expensive, i hate it when small quirks inelectronics cost some stupid amount to fix.
the trunk i will do for sure, and do you think the dealer will know why the remote ignition is acting up, or will they refuse to work on that aspect?
thanks again and thanks in advance

[wylie]

Originally Posted by richtazz

It has saved my dogs a couple of times, as they inadvertenly tried to shut their heads in the window by stepping on the switch. I always use it when they are in the car now

I know that one my dog has done the same thing luckily he panicked and lifted his foot of the switch.
Very smart dog but he does the dopiest things sometimes.

[richtazz]

If the battery is original, it's time to replace it. Check the cables for corrosion where they connect to the battery, and where they ground to the engine (negative) and hook to the starter and jump point (positive) and see if that helps. The trunk release you could do yourself if you can turn a wrench. Most dealers won't touch aftermarket accessories, so you may need to find out what brand of remote start you have and then find someone that sells/installs that brand in the phone book. The window switch part is a little more expensive ($60-$90 depending on if your car is a 2dr or 4dr).

[99.P.GP-GT]

sounds good, would there be any advantage going through pontiac, i'll take a look at the trunk motor, it also says change oil soon, so i figured my first time i'd take it to them do the chnge, general maintenance, and the window and trunk while their at it.
thanks