2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Often times I can't get key out of

Tiny
TAMIB
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
I have had numerous occasions when I cannot remove the key from the ignition. It usually happens several times in a row and then it will be just fine.
Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 6:12 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Try a Little powdered graphite in the lock, you can normally get this from spare parts outlets or locksmiths, try this first.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
SWH213
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Does the car have a floor shifter? If so, there is a switch that closes when you put it in park that sends power to the interlock at the ignition lock cylinder. If the interlock doesnt get power - it wont allow the key to turn to lock position and wont allow key to be removed. Two equallly common problems 1. Switch is no good (usually soda and/or coffee spills) - switch is actually part of shifter assembly (not cheap). 2. Wires at the plug are broken - the switch actually moves with the shifter flexing the wires everytime you shift out of park. Just remove the leather from around the base of shifter and reach in there and tug on wires - dont yank just tug - if the wire(s) come out they were broken, if not it needs a switch (shifter assembly). In the meantime, there is a small access hole in the underside of the steering column, right under the ignition key - take a small screwdriver and pop the plug out and stick it straight up towards the key - that will push the interlock and manually release the key.
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Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 AT 11:30 PM

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