Ignition Key Removal

[missmac69]

Hi I have a 1998 Gam Gt V6 and I am having a horrible time trying to getting the ignition key out after I shut off the car. I searched all thru the 1700+ posts and couldn't find an answer I have looked and looked on the steering column for the release button somebody talked about in one post to no avail. It seems to happen more often when my husband uses his key which is not a factory made key. My husband is about ready to pop the tumblers out of the ignition so please somebody help before he does that. I don't know if this will make a difference or not but the button on the gearshift that is on the side is apparently broke as it is pushed in and really doesn't seem do anything. Is it possible the anti theft system has been disabled or messed with? I bought this car used and might not get a whole lot of help from the dealership on it they were pretty small....Any ideas would be appreciated.
Going out of my mind here...........

[richtazz]

does the key return to the off position and it just won't come out, or does the key not return fully to the off position?

[missmac69]

Originally Posted by richtazz

does the key return to the off position and it just won't come out, or does the key not return fully to the off position?

The key does not return fully to the off position.......

[Tammy Sue]

I am also having a simliar problem, about not being able to get the key to the off postion. I hope this is a minor problem.

[richtazz]

it is more than likely an out of adjustment ignition switch, or a bad tumbler. these cars are notorious for the lock cylinders going bad.

[jschrader]

I have the same problem. It does not happen every time, but it is VERY frustrating. I have to play with the shifter or the steering wheel to get the key to go in the off position, as it is gets stuck in the on position. I took it to my dealership (that wanted to charge me 40 bucks just to look at it!), and they said that the problem is in the Shifter, that the car thinks it is still in gear, and not in Park, therefore it wont release the key from the ignition. I was told it also may be the ignition cylinder. My Grand Am was taken in for a recall, and they had replaced the ignition switch, but it still would lock up sometimes. For now, Ill just deal with it...

[richtazz]

is your shift indicator out of alignment? The gm computer shows a park interlock cable/switch, but only for column shift cars. If your's is a floor shift, they show a theft deterrent switch, but it doesn't show it connected to the ign switch