grand=prix key won't turn to off

[jcast2]

When I turn the car off the key only goes to acc. If I wait a few minutes I can hear a clicking sound coming from the steering column I think. Then I can turn it off all the way.Whats causing this? and how do i fix it. My car is a pontiac Grand Prix 2002.

[Tech II]

There is a lock solenoid in the column.......it's possible it's not getting enough power(bad connection), or the solenoid is somehow sticking, etc.....

If it get's to the point where, you can't remove the key, first make sure that the shifter is all the way in Park......

Underneath the column, approx area of lock cylinder, there will be a hole or cover......pry cover off......then using a small screw driver push up on the plunger of the solenoid, and then the key should rotate the rest of the way and come out......

I have never seen a problem with the lock solenoid in the colum.....I have seen a problem with the BTSI solenoid harness(this provides the power to the lock solenoid)....this is located at the base of the shifter in the center console....you have to remove the shifter handle(U-clip), then the top of the console......over time, that harness flexes each time you shift, and it could break a wire(s) inside the insulation, causing intermittent problems.....when the insulation finally breaks, then it doesn't work at all......it usually breaks close to the harness connector at the BTSI solenoid....

[gtpjay]

Like Tech said check wires at shifter, mine had the purple wire pulled out of harness. I fixed that & no problem since.
Pressing button under column will work until you get fixed.