Key stuck in the ignition/Transmission Probs

[jj43]

2000 Grand Prix SE. 70,000 miles. Two problems here guys. #1 The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. I can't get it out for the life of me. I know that other vehicles have a release botton. Any ideas? #2. I'm hearing a "winding" sound and then a "thud" when the car shifts from gear to gear. Is there a DYI treatment and can these be related? Thanks

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by jj43

Two problems here guys. #1 The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. I can't get it out for the life of me. I know that other vehicles have a release botton. Any ideas? #2. I'm hearing a "winding" sound and then a "thud" when the car shifts from gear to gear. Is there a DYI treatment and can these be related? Thanks

It might be helpful to list your year, model. engine size and mileage.

If you have a 4T65E tranny the whining sound and thud sounds like a PCS solenoid. Try getting it scanned with a trans. capable scanner for error codes.

The key stuck could be a few things like a brake transmission shift interlock problem (BTSI).

[jessep28]

Your model does have the 4T65E, so I agree that the thud and whining could be the Pressure Control Solenoid. This is a known problem with the 4T65E.

Like bnaylor said, go have it looked at with a trans capable scanner. You should have a P1811 or something else stored in the computer. Since these will be Class D codes, the Service Engine Soon light won't illuminate.

This repair is definitely not a DIY job. This requires removing the side cover of the transmission and removing a bunch of parts to get to the solenoid. It takes a shop with the right tools and know how about 7 hours to repair, so you can imagine how complicated this is.

I just had mine replaced last week. Expect to pay $500-600.

[BNaylor]

On the key release BSTI problem the key release solenoid in the steering column gets a 12v signal from the shift interlock solenoid and park switch located in the shifter assembly at the center console. Normally, the shifter assembly needs replacement to correct the problem because the release signal is not being received. Since the solenoids are not available separately you'll need the whole part.

BTSI prevents the engagement into any gear unless the brake is applied and prevents the removal of the key unless you are in PARK.

BTW - Sometimes the shifter interlock may act up if you ever spilled drinks like coffee or soda on the console.

[2000GPGTBlue2dr]

I had the same problem with my 2000 GT. Guess what??? Here's what is wrong. I replaced the shifter ($250) thinking it was the solenoid attached to it, and the P R N D 3 2 1 lights on the dash still kept flickering, and the key would not release out of the ignition when I put the car in park...

There's a 10 amp fuse for the BTSI (see your owner's manual) which is the Automatic Transaxle Shifter Module. Believe it or not sometimes the fuse doesn't make contact with the fuse housing causing an intermitent connection that causes the BTSI that controls or signals the solenoid near ignition that the car is in park thus releasing the lock to work "off and on."

So here's what you do.... Take that fuse out clean it off, and then actually bend the 2 pieces of metal sticking out of the fuse in opposite directions so that when you put the fuse back in, it ensures a stronger connection to the pieces of metal inside the fuse housing. I did this and the lights no longer flicker, and everytime I have the car in park I can shift to other gears, and I can release the key out of the ignition.