Key stuck ignition switch

[Crow]

Can anyone this problem. The ignition switch will go from the "on" position to "off", but will not any further. Therefore, I cannot remove the key from the switch. It does not always do this, but it is becoming more frequent. I can usually leave the key in for a while and when I return, the switch will retate andthe key will come out. This is very frustrating. Any help is appreciated!

[GTX Playa]

I have also had that happen. A combination of turning the locking the steering wheel and key to the accessories position and back always unsticks the key.

[grandprix92]

did you try hittin it as hard as you can?:flash:

[Crow]

I've tried both suggestions...

I cannot get the switch to rotate back past the "off" position. I can only go back and forth between "off", "on", and "start".

As for hitting it as hard as I can, I tried that too and bent the key a little. Probably not the best solution, but it did make me feel a little better.

Thanks for the responses.

[Weasel]

get a new ignition lock from your dealer and have them key it to your present key before it's too late and you can't ever get it out. And if you need to remove the drivers airbag, pull the fuse first, then the yellow connector under the dash, directly under the steering wheel.

['00 GTP]

that would be my suggestion, a new tumbler.
they are a real treat to change, but it is worth it.

[JE123]

I don't know if this is the problem but I had a similar thing happen to me in my Stang. I realized that the key wouldn't come out because I didn't have the automatic shifter completely in park. I don't know if this is what is going on with your Grand Prixs though.

[shawnl]

I have this problem with my 98 GTP, you can look under your ignition switch on the steering column bottom and there will be a rubber cover, take this cover off and the next time your key is stuck put something up in the opening (I use a very small screwdriver) and the key will then turn and can be removed.

I hope this helps you.

[Flatrater]

There is a solenoid mounted to the shifter base which can get stuck form spilled soda or coffee or just plain sticks. This solenoid tells the solenoid on the column that the car is in park releasing the key. You will need to replace the shifter to fix your concern.

[MustGoFaster]

I'm having the same prob with my 98. Is your problem intermittent? Mine is, started one day and works off and on, whenever it feels like it really, works more in warm weather than cold weather. It's weird. My two thoughts are either a loose connection (ground or otherwise) or maybe the BTSI solenoid at the shifter base as I found an abundance of sticky residue (pop) under my console, pervious owner . . .

[jet black]

When mine did this at a local track,I replaced the piece under the ignition pice.It was some sort of solenoid.I did this replace 3 different times.Now after looking in the center console I found that the problem was a broking wire,that connects the shifter to the solenoid down there.I hope this helps.

[scrubin63125]

My neighbor had the same problem with his 98 GTP, the mechanic told him it was his transmission. He then sold the car because he belived the mechanic. He's gonna be pretty pissed off after I tell him it could have been just a wire.

[JJUBECK]

I HAD THIS PROBLEM ABOUT THREE MONTHS AND $550.00 LATER. COME TO FIND OUT THE SHIFT SENSOR IN THE SHIFTER IS VERY WEAK, AND IF IT DOES NOT READ THAT YOUR SHIFTER IS IN PARK IT WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEY. NO WARRANTY WILL COVER IT AND IT TAKES THE DEALER ABOUT THREE DAYS. IF YOU DO NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM IT DOES CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH YOUR TRANNY.

[Flatrater]

I am not going to tell you excatly how to do it, but have you ever thought about calling the GM customer assistance phone number listed in your owners manuals? If we have a good service customer who comes in and we do their work we can bend the warranty rules some what and cover the job under warranty, GM customer assistance has more power than the dealers!

[ASEMattster]

In response to your question about a key getting stuck in your ignition:

There is a BTSI solenoid located on the underside of the steering column. This solenoid prevents the igniton from going to the "LOCK" position while the vehicle is not in park. This prevents the steering wheel from locking while the vehicle is in motion. There is a similar solenoid that, when not energized, prevents the shifter from being moved Out of "Park". This solenoid is energized when you depress your brake, and pulls the same mechanical lock away from the ignition, thus allowing you to turn the car on only when you are pressing the brake. If your shifter is messed up, or if your linkage is screwy, or if the BTSI solenoid does not register your vehicle as being in park, then you will not be able to turn your key to the "LOCK" position and remove it from the lock cylinder. Also, there is a wire running from your shifter to the BTSI solenoid that completes a circuit when the shifter is in the "PARK" position. If this wire is broken or otherwise failed, the solenoid will not energize. Usually, the solenoid itself will need to be replaced. Unfortunately this is a dealer item and not covered under warrant (I have no idea why).

Now, as an alternative, there is a manual release in some newer cars, but I'm not going to go into specifics on it as misapplication of the technique could cause some damage to your vehicle.

-Matt

Postscript: There have been several recent recalls on BTSI solenoids, make sure you don't pay a dealer to fix something they've already admitted is a problem.