Key gets stuck.

Posted by: Pontiac Dude

Key gets stuck. - 04/17/10 08:23 PM

The ignition key gets stuck in my 2002
Pontiac Grand Prix with 67k miles.
When I turn the car off the ignition key is
hard to remove. I spayed some WD-40 in the
ignition key and on the key itself.
Anyone had this problem?
Posted by: RooK

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/18/10 12:42 AM

There is a solenoid that locks the key in, usually due to a bad switch below the front of the shifter. However, if that's the case I'm amazed you got it out. eek
Posted by: Igor

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/18/10 09:39 AM

Underneath of the steering column is a little round plastic cover you can pop off. Pop it off and stick an extended tire pressure gauge or chopstick into it. You're going for a small silver button. As soonas you press it(make sure the key is rotated clockwise as far as it can go) you can rotate it more and the key will become unstuck. Mine has been doing it for a long time. It goes thru periods where it will work perfectly and times where it won't. You'll have to live with it unless you're willing to shell out 500 bucks for the whole new unit. Hope that helps.
Posted by: Pontiac Dude

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/18/10 10:50 AM

Thanks Igor. I really dont wanna spend the
500 bucks.
Posted by: Igor

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/18/10 08:07 PM

I'd suggest keeping a tire gauge in the visor just in case it happens again
Posted by: 98 gtp girl

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/18/10 10:39 PM

I'm having this same issue. I was told that it normally happens when your not on flat surface, however it happens to me regardless. He told me to put my e-brake on prior to putting my car into park because the issue is caused by that slight roll after brake is realeased while in park. This kind of makes sense to me because before to get the key to release I had to put it back into gear, sometimes even had to restart it a couple times. Anyway now by using the e-brake, about 99% of the time it seems to work..


(also was told its the Shift Lock Solenoid)
whatever it is, it is really annoying.
Posted by: GrindingNemo

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/19/10 12:44 AM

I know it sounds weird, but when I changed out my intake I started getting the same problem. This is because the cable to the transmission runs over the top of the stock intake (at least it does on my 98 gtp), and messing with it was apparently enough to make the car think that park isnt really park sometimes. Everything still works, but the key gets stuck now and then. To get it out I just pop the hood and wiggle the cable. Eventually I will have the time to adjust it, but for now this is good enough. So if the normal stuff isnt taking care of it, try wiggling the cable to the tranny.
Posted by: palsut

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/19/10 11:23 AM

Never thought about e-brake first before move the shift to P. I slide my finger under steering wheel to push the button. I used that for many times after I park it. There are some write-up for fix it yourself but I don't have time for this. Maybe in summer when I get my summer car running up.
Posted by: Pontiac Dude

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/19/10 06:02 PM

So guys, how do I know for sure if the problem
is in the ignition key/module or in the
shifter???
Posted by: Dre da GP man

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/19/10 06:20 PM

Yea, it was my lock cylinder and it was replaced about a couple months ago and I had just got tired of hitting the button under the sterring wheel.
Posted by: Pontiac Dude

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/19/10 07:04 PM

So how do you know if its the lock cylinder?
How much does it cost to fix a lock cylinder?
Doesnt that require a new set of keys?
Posted by: 98 gtp girl

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/19/10 10:47 PM

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/AT12.pdf

I found this online.
Posted by: Blackarrow98GP

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/20/10 05:29 AM

From the 97-03 FAQ, Perf mods, common fixes read first section: Key stuck? wink
Posted by: snowcrash

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/20/10 09:05 AM

somebody(or their mechanic) put jb weld on the button i think on here when their key got stuck
Posted by: AntGT

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/20/10 09:44 AM

I had this problem on every single GP.I just learned how to take it out by playing with button on tranny shifter
Posted by: Zalfrin

Re: Key gets stuck. - 04/20/10 11:12 AM

yeah the jb weld was me, it's one solution. I finally tore into the center console to see what was going on and found that the wiring in there is DESTROYED. The connector on the shifter is completely ripped off so I'll need a new one of those. That'd be why the key doesn't come out. smile I'm going to pick up a shifter and the wiring from a junkyard, I expect it'll fix my problem.
Posted by: HercMan(Rob)

Re: Key gets stuck. - 09/28/10 07:58 PM

GRrrrrrr I get the window fixed again and now the key sticks!!!!!