'97 GP - Key stuck in ignition ?

[jzcam]

I can't get the key out of the ignition. The shifter sometimes don't want to come out of park. Are these problems related ? How do I fix.

[kilroypr]

THe shifter to come out of park requires you to press the brake pedal. And to get the key out just twist the steering wheel left and right to unlock the key and get it out.

[jzcam]

Thats when everyting is working properly !

[kilroypr]

Can you please explain them what happens exactly when you face the problem?

[jzcam]

The key will only turn to the off position, but not lock, therefor, I can't get the key out of the ignition.

[Ripn12s]

lol

qball just AIM'd me tonight w/ the same problem

Try this:

http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.as...ode=&smode=&s=

[Ripn12s]

btw, this is a common problem

Look under the steering column. There's a 1/4" wide plastic circle. Pop it out. Stick a pen up in the hole and it will hit the solenoid to release the key. That's the emergency way out when you have no power.

[jzcam]

the baterry is not dead. everything works fine. except the shifter sometimes dont' want to come out of park

[Ripn12s]

key is stuck right??

then try the button

[Ripn12s]

There is also a seloniod or some shit like that in the shifter area that sometimes gets gummed up i guess

[kilroypr]

Well try the pen thing if it works at least you would have your keys. I know that the shifter has an electric solenoid that locks it if the brake pedal is not pressed. You should check your car BCU(BOdy contro unit). THe BCU is a small computer that controls the light dimming, the door chimes and all the stuff that happens inside the cockpit of your car.

[jzcam]

I just went ouside, 15 degrees out, and the button worked. You can also tilt the wheel up and reach finger to push it. The key gets stuck every time you put it in and use it. Is there a fix for this, or do I have to push the buttom evertime I want my key back?

[Ripn12s]

You can either have it replaced ($$$$$$)

or read some of that link i posted, as people over at clubgp have many ways of rigging it up.

Search "key Stuck" on www.clubgp.com and you'll find all your answers.

Im glad the button worked for you.

[kilroypr]

If it keep happening and you do not find anything that suits you on the clubgp site you should check your BCU. Again this sucker takes care of all the happens on the cockpit and by reading the threads posted by Ripn12s from the clubgp site the ignition key locking mechanism has an electric component. Does not make any sense to me but looking at the threads it does. When I rebuild my 98gtp originally due to flood damage neither the chime or the dimming workes among other things. I even think that the heated seats are controlled by the BCU, not certain about it but makes sense. Assuming the BCU controls the heated seats and you said it burned you once could be that the BCU shorted and now the car behaves herratically cockpitwise

[jzcam]

I checked out clubgp, lots of interesting fixes. I will try cleaning wire connections in shift console, if that don't work, it will be time to do a by-pass ! LOL. Thanks so much