key stuck in ignition

tcjimmy · #1 12-03-2006, 12:37 AM

I have a 2000 jimmy. 83000 miles on it all of a sudden I can not remove the key from the ignition switch. Starts and runs fine just can not remove the key.

TcJimmy

cadauctions · #2 12-03-2006, 01:30 AM

Same thing happened to me with my 93 Lumina. I just left it and don't worry about it, but you can get another ignition, or do this macguyver move. Take a metal coat hanger and break a small piece off around 3 inches. Then, stick it into the ignition until it reaches the broken piece of the key. Take an earth magnet, and stick it onto the coat hanger piece, and pull slowly until it takes the broken key out. If the key does not come out that way, try the same thing, but this time put a very tiny spot of Super Glue, or J.B. Weld on the tip so that when it touches the key inside the ignition, it can form a strong enough bond that you can pull it out that way. Then you should be able to get another key produced if it is not to damged from breaking. If this is a chip key you will have to order another key from the factory. You should have a key code in the owners manual. If not then you nearest dealership should be able to help you out with that. Good luck and hope you get this worked out.

BlazerLT · #3 12-03-2006, 02:25 AM

Just give it a secure and snugg bang into park.

laxman21 · #4 12-03-2006, 02:08 PM

This happened to my 92 while it was running! Couldn't turn it off. Well, my mother was using it when this happened. need a new switch.

tcjimmy · #5 12-03-2006, 07:28 PM

Tried the bang into park no luck. If the ignition needs replaced is it just the key mechanism or the whole ignition switch.

Thanks all
TcJimmy

Blue Bowtie · #6 12-03-2006, 07:45 PM

It is not likely the ignition switch lock cylinder. There is a solenoid which interlocks the ignition lock cylinder with the shifter. The switch which energizes the solenoid is in the center console shift enclosure (floor shift models) or on the outer column jacket (column shift models). The floor shift types do that frequently, and usually a couple months after someone has spilled a beverage onto the consol shifter. The switch and linkage from the release push button on the shift handle get gummed and/or corroded, and the switch fails to energize the solenoid.

If this is a floor shifted model, you will need to remove the console trim cover and clean the switch and actuator from the push-button release on the shift handle.

In the interim, you can remove a ¼" plastic plug from teh bottom side of the column and insert a small (#0 or #1) Phillips screwdriver intop the hole and manually depress (lift) the solenoid core to release the ignition key.

If you try to force the key as some have suggested, you WILL need a new lock cylinder.

laxman21 · #7 12-03-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcjimmy

Tried the bang into park no luck. If the ignition needs replaced is it just the key mechanism or the whole ignition switch.

Thanks all
TcJimmy

The whole cylinder.

Before mine went it was a bitch the turn some times and I hed broke on of the plastic tabs on the switch where you turn it.

tcjimmy · #8 12-04-2006, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

It is not likely the ignition switch lock cylinder. There is a solenoid which interlocks the ignition lock cylinder with the shifter. The switch which energizes the solenoid is in the center console shift enclosure (floor shift models) or on the outer column jacket (column shift models). The floor shift types do that frequently, and usually a couple months after someone has spilled a beverage onto the consol shifter. The switch and linkage from the release push button on the shift handle get gummed and/or corroded, and the switch fails to energize the solenoid.

If this is a floor shifted model, you will need to remove the console trim cover and clean the switch and actuator from the push-button release on the shift handle.

In the interim, you can remove a ¼" plastic plug from teh bottom side of the column and insert a small (#0 or #1) Phillips screwdriver intop the hole and manually depress (lift) the solenoid core to release the ignition key.

If you try to force the key as some have suggested, you WILL need a new lock cylinder.

Thanks Blow Bowtie
My problem sounds along the lines that Blazer LT was talking about above the key needs to turn back one more spot before it can release. My Jimmy is a floor mount model will your steps above solve this problem? Your interim solution do I need to remove the steering column covers to get to this hole?

Thanks
TcJimmy

Blue Bowtie · #9 12-04-2006, 10:43 AM

No need to remove anything but the small plastic plug on the underside of the column cover, directly beneath the lock cylinder. The hole was put there specifically for this purpose. Once you manually operate the solenoid with a small screwdriver, finishing nail, piece of coathanger, or whatever, the lock cylinder will turn all the way to the LOCK position so you can remove the key.

Stash the plastic plug somewhere that you can find it later, such as the ash tray or somewhere similar.

tcjimmy · #10 12-04-2006, 11:23 AM

Thanks
Blue BowTie. I will give it a try tonight. Will the battery run down leaving the key in that off position. I see the battery light stays on?

TcJimmy

Blue Bowtie · #11 12-04-2006, 12:55 PM

Provided that ONLY the battery warning is lit, and all the doors are fully closed, the body control module should shut down any other accessories after about 8-10 minutes to preserve the battery.

BlazerLT · #12 12-04-2006, 02:22 PM

some times rocking the truck back and forth while giving it a snug whack into park will do it.

Also put it in park and start the truck and then turn it off and put it back into park again.

tcjimmy · #13 12-06-2006, 08:21 AM

The Temp solution to get the key out worked, Although a pain in the A--. The manual says to remove the top of the console I need to remove the knob from the shift lever by using a screwdriver to remove a clip. I pulled the boot down and see no clip. Is it really needed to remove te knob or can I just slip the boot over the top.

Thanks again
Tcjimmy

Blue Bowtie · #14 12-06-2006, 09:46 PM

You may be able to access everything you need without removing the shifter handle and bellows. Remove the console cover and raise it off the floor. You should be able to see the interlock switch and lower part of the linkage at that point.

When the mechanism is exposed, depress and release the shufter handle release knob and watch what it does. The switch at the lower end of the linkage is what you are after.

There is a remote possibility that the solenoid itself has failed, or has somehow become inadvertently disconnected at the base of the steering column.

someguy000001 · #15 12-07-2006, 04:08 PM

The solenoid failed on my '97, and the key kept getting stuck. When I replaced the ignition switch I simply unplugged and unbolted the solenoid and chucked it over my shoulder. No problems since.
On my '97 it was on top of the steering column, and I had no problem doing it without removing the wheel or airbag. Not sure how different yours is.

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