2004 Regal will not release key

[theavalon]

Randomly, my 2004 Regal will not release the key. It will not turn to the release position. I have removed all but ignition key, remote start fob and trunk key from the key ring. When it happens the most successful strategy has been to turn the key back to on position and wait a bit and try again to turn key to the release position. I have also tried shifting through the gears, turning the car back on and then off, and of course a bit of cursing. Everything is so random, nothing works every time. I have had to leave the key in the car occasionally, it's crazy. Can anyone help me?

[Tech II]

Is the key cylinder in the column or in the dash?

[theavalon]

Column.

[Tech II]

Look under the column , in the area of the lock cylinder....there should be an opening....there may be a plug covering it....remove it....using a small screwdriver, insert it vertically and depress the pin of the lock solenoid, and the key should rotate the rest of the way....usual problem is a broken wire in the Harness to the BTSI solenoid which is part of your shifter in the center console.....what happens is, the harness moves and flexes every time you move the shifter, and a wire can break inside the insulation, causing an intermittent problem......when the insulation breaks, then you have nothing.....