problems getting key out of ignition

[andyjs3589]

99 regal gs, I came home tonight and the key would not move all the way back for me to pull it out. I have had this problem before but no this bad. Before I just pushed the key forward and then pulled it back out but I tried this about twenty times and it would not slide back far enough so that I could get it out. So I finally drove it around the block turned it off and it came right out. Any suggestions as to why this could be happening and any way to correct this?

[BNaylor]

Have you ever spilled coffee or soda on the shifter/center console. There is a shift interlock solenoid in the shifter and a key release solenoid in the steering column that can cause the key stuck problem. All part of the BTSI (brake transmission shift interlock) system.

[andyjs3589]

I have not, but someone had the car for 125k before I bought it so it is definately a possibility. Is one of those the little black button about a half an inch long on the passenger side of the shifter? Where is the other one?

If that is the case with something being spilled on it then what can be done to correct this problem?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by andyjs3589

I have not, but someone had the car for 125k before I bought it so it is definately a possibility. Is one of those the little black button about a half an inch long on the passenger side of the shifter? Where is the other one?

If that is the case with something being spilled on it then what can be done to correct this problem?

Yeah it is really hard to say what happened with prior owners.

To clean, the center console would need to be removed and the shifter assembly cleaned. When in park a sensor sends 12 volts to the key release solenoid which will allow the key to move.

One way to test the shifter sending the signal up is to put ignition to on not start, step on and hold brake, then push the button on the shifter knob. You should hear the key release solenoid located at the ignition switch clunk as you do that. Then the possibility would be the key release solenoid and/or the key cylinder tumbler itself.

[andyjs3589]

I think I know the clunk that you are talking about because I have heard a clunk a few times when doing this and then the key comes right out after that.

But I have no clue what button you are talking about that is on the shifter. Were excactly is it and do you have a pic if possible?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by andyjs3589

I think I know the clunk that you are talking about because I have heard a clunk a few times when doing this and then the key comes right out after that.

But I have no clue what button you are talking about that is on the shifter. Were excactly is it and do you have a pic if possible?

The button I was referring to is the big one on top of the shifter lever you have to press down/in to get it from PARK to reverse and the other gears. When you press in on that you will hear a solenoid clunk at the steering column which is the release solenoid.

[andyjs3589]

Oh ok, now I get it. I thought it was that tiny black button on the passenger of the shifter but I looked at that and that is like the shift lock release. I will try tommorow to hear that sound

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by andyjs3589

Oh ok, now I get it. I thought it was that tiny black button on the passenger of the shifter but I looked at that and that is like the shift lock release. I will try tommorow to hear that sound

No problem. The one you were referring to is the one you use when the shifter is stuck like in PARK. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

[andyjs3589]

It takes anywhere from 3 -10 seconds for the clunk to occur. Is there any reason that there would be this delay?

[BNaylor]

No that is abnormal. It should occur within a split second. I tested my Regal LS and GS and I hear the solenoid clunk as soon as the button is depressed.

Another suggestion is to check the 12 volts which feeds the BTSI shift interlock solenoid. Basically, your problem is 50/50 without further troubleshooting. The problem is either in the console shifter or at the steering column release solenoid.

[andyjs3589]

How excactly do I test it? MY dad has a volt gauge that I can use it is just that I do not know where to test it

[andyjs3589]

How much does a solenoid cost and is it difficult to install?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by andyjs3589

How excactly do I test it? MY dad has a volt gauge that I can use it is just that I do not know where to test it

With the multimeter you could check 12 volts at the fuse socket for the BTSI fuse. If that is good then I'd start at the steering column and look at the key release solenoid.

I have a procedure to remove the upper and lower plastic on the steering column and inspect the area around the solenoid and ignition switch. You do not need to remove the steering wheel. Let me know if you need it and I'll post it.

[andyjs3589]

What fuse is it?

I do not have a manual to look this up. Is there a place that I can look this up?

[Blue Bowtie]

Have you ever spilled coffee or soda on the shifter/center console?

Wow. I though that I was the only "lucky" one who got those...

That "delay" may indeed be the remnants of beverages in the base of the console shift stalk causing very slow release of the interlock switch. It's amazing what a little hot water and a shop vac can do to clean that up and restore almost instantaneous operation. A little follow-up coating of rust preventive (like WD-40) usually solves it until the next "Big Gulp" is poured onto the console. There's a reason older vehicles didn't have cup holders. Since accountants and marketing types have wrestled control of the auto companies away from the engineers, things just haven't been the same.

One thing you might try is to rapidly cycle the shift lock release pushbutton on the shifter handle. This can temporarily "un-goo" the mechanism long enough to get the switch (and therefore, solenoid) operating again.

I'll bet you a 64-ounce Pepsi that the problem is in the shifter/console area.