Ignition Key Stuck in Accessory Position

[vandamja]

Good Morning,

Yesterday the ignition key in my 99 Regal decided that it would not go past the accessory position, and thus would not come out. I was able to pop out the small round cover under the column and depress the brass pin, which then allowed me to fully turn the ignition off, and then get the key out.

I have checked the transmission linkage by observing the lights on the dash and locks, and it seems that the car is sensing that it is in park, and it will not start in drive, so that sensor seems to be ok.

Could this be as simple as the car simply needing a new ignition cylinder (don't know if that is the correct term), or is there some other reason that this could be happening.

Thanks for any help.

Jim V.

[BNaylor]

It is possible. The key tumbler/cylinder could be worn out. It is separate from the electrical portion of the ignition switch and harness assembly.

The system that allows key removal is called brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) when in park. In the console as part of the shifter is a shift intelock solenoid which in turn passes a signal to the key release solenoid in the steering column once PARK is detected.

Checking the signal from the shifter to the column is difficult but can be done. It will require removel of the upper and lower plastic covering the steering column. The steering wheel does not have to be removed to do this or replace the key cylinder.

[vandamja]

Thanks for the help.

What is the procedure for checking the solenoid? Once the covering is off the steering column do I just use a voltage meter to check for a signal? Is the key release solenoid pretty obvious once the coverings are off?

I also wonder about the removal of the Key Cylinder. I know that on many cars there is a button that can be depressed which will allow you to simply slide the cylinder out. Is this the case with my 99 Regal?

One again, thanks a ton for the help.

Jim

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by vandamja

Thanks for the help.

What is the procedure for checking the solenoid? Once the covering is off the steering column do I just use a voltage meter to check for a signal? Is the key release solenoid pretty obvious once the coverings are off?

I also wonder about the removal of the Key Cylinder. I know that on many cars there is a button that can be depressed which will allow you to simply slide the cylinder out. Is this the case with my 99 Regal?

One again, thanks a ton for the help.

Jim

Here is an extract from replacement of an ignition switch. It covers how to remove the key cylinder. From the ignition switch is a small electrical connector with two wires. That plugs into the key release device so voltage can be checked there. Also, it may not hurt to lube the cylinder with graphite used for lock cylinders while all of it is apart. Good luck!

************************************************** **

BEFORE BEGINING THIS REPAIR REMOVE THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL FROM THE BATTERY. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DO THE REPAIR WITHOUT DOING THIS.

Look inside the slot where the tilt steering knob is located. There is a black metal piece where the knob inserts into the tilt mechanism. Pry it back slightly with a small screwdriver. One from an electronics tool set will work. While you have it pried, pull the knob out and it should release.

Remove the two screws from the bottom of the steering column cover and remove the cover.

Remove the two screws that hold the top steering column cover in place.

Insert the ignition key into the key cylinder and turn the key clockwise to the start position. Nothing will happen because you have disconnected the battery prior to starting this project. Lift the top steering column cover being careful not to break it because it is still held in place by the ignition key cylinder. You will see with your mirror near the back end of the cylinder housing a small hole. Stick a small allen wrench in the hole, this will release the key cylinder so that it can be pulled out. Once the key cylinder is removed the column top cover is free to be removed.

The black box below the key cylinder with all of the wires coming out of it is the ignition switch that you are changing. Look at the switch you have purchased for this repair. Notice that the small white plug with two wires attached has a tab on the side that can be pushed down, this is the release for the plug-in. Using your mirror you will see that plug-in against the ignition switch housing where it plugs in. Using a small screw driver press the release tab in against the plug and rotate the plug 90 degrees to the right to remove it. To do otherwise may break the plug.

Remove the plug from the white key release device by inserting a small screw driver and pressing the release tab on it.

[guru98]

vandamja

I'm also having the same problem, I plan on working on mine this weekend.

If you have fixed yours, I would appreciate any info you could give me.

I have a 99 GS, est 70K miles.

Thanks

[guru98]

Well, I fixed mine this weekend. pulled the cylinder out and it works great and I was getting 12v all the way up to the shift intelock solenoid. The solenoid would not activate when I put 12v to it. so I pulled it out and connected the 12v to it again and it worked. So I put it back in connected everything back up and it quit working again. Activating the soleniod by hand while out of the car was easy, it moved with very little effort, while in the car it acted like something was holding it up. It would release the cylinder to turn the key but I think it has enough resistance on the solenoid to prevent it from working correctly.

Pulling the block off that holds the cylinder and the solenoid and all the electronics was more than I wanted to tackle, so I pulled the shift intelock solenoid off and put things all back together. Everything works great now.

What is the main reason for the shift intelock solenoid? The only thing I can think of is so it will prevent people from pulling their key out while the trans is in gear.

I'm not saying this is the way to fix this problem, but it worked for me.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by guru98

What is the main reason for the shift intelock solenoid? The only thing I can think of is so it will prevent people from pulling their key out while the trans is in gear.

The brake shift interlock is an important safety device which prevents the vehicle (with an automatic transmission) from being shifted out of "park” without first depressing the brake pedal.

Plus I believe that it is required by Federal law:

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...ction_toc=2069

[guru98]

bnaylor3400,

Thanks for that link, before long I will be putting it back in when I have more time, I like to tinker so that will be another saturday project.

That link reminds me of Demolitioin Man with all the futuristic cars.

Before long we will have no control of our transportation, we will be required to suit up like a nascar drivers because of the fire danger, and be forced to wear helmets. And our cars will only be able to drive the speed limit of the road we are on.

It's too bad cars were not around when the constitution was drawn up, I think the only reason we are still allowed to have guns is because they were.

Sorry for the rant.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by guru98

bnaylor3400,

Thanks for that link, before long I will be putting it back in when I have more time, I like to tinker so that will be another saturday project.

That link reminds me of Demolitioin Man with all the futuristic cars.

Before long we will have no control of our transportation, we will be required to suit up like a nascar drivers because of the fire danger, and be forced to wear helmets. And our cars will only be able to drive the speed limit of the road we are on.

It's too bad cars were not around when the constitution was drawn up, I think the only reason we are still allowed to have guns is because they were.

Sorry for the rant.

You can rant all you want. We're here to listen. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. Whether the BTSI works on your car is your choice. The requirement was just to have car manufacturers have the system installed. Would you believe people were sueing the car makers because the car did not have BTSI or it wasn't working properly? Chrysler had a lot of lawsuits against it, of course after the blood sucking lawyers got involved.

In Texas, for example, I don't recall the safety inspector ever checking out my BTSI and know of no law on the books either. What will they think of next.

[taylorwn]

I know this thread is old but I just wanted to chime in if any has a similar problem like I did. I had a very similar problem once, went to start my 98 Buick Regal GS and it lost all power and the key got stuck. Pulled the ignition out but the key would not budge. Come to find out after talking to dealer. If the Battery goes like my did, the ingnition locks. As strange as it seemed I went out and bought a new battery. Put is in and and low and behold the ignition unlocks.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by taylorwn

I know this thread is old but I just wanted to chime in if any has a similar problem like I did. I had a very similar problem once, went to start my 98 Buick Regal GS and it lost all power and the key got stuck. Pulled the ignition out but the key would not budge. Come to find out after talking to dealer. If the Battery goes like my did, the ingnition locks. As strange as it seemed I went out and bought a new battery. Put is in and and low and behold the ignition unlocks.

Welcome to AF.

Thanks for sharing your experiences but knowingly raising an old thread is not recommended and in total contradiction to the forum guidelines and rules which is posted at the top of every Buick subforum. This thread is now closed from further posting.