Ignition key sticks 99 Grand Prix GTP 3.8 80K

BRIXSTER

MEMBER
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

There seems to be no real pattern when the key wont come out of the ignition when I turn the car off. Sometimes it comes right out and other times it just locks in. If I leave the car off for an hour I can come out and remove it with ease. It seems as though the car wont register that it is in park so the key cant come out. If I jiggle the automatic transmission shifter it sometimes comes loose. Any help before I tear apart the whole car who be great. Thanks.

5 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Sounds like the key tumbler is starting to fall apart. Sometimes they will do strange things with no real rhyme or reason

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Thursday, May 31st, 2007 AT 7:54 AM

BRIXSTER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks 2CarProJack,

I called to get the cost of the part and it was about 32 bucks. I asked if it is a job that requires special tools and he said that he did not think so but I would need to code it. Is this something that I can do myself because I was told labor would be about 250-300 dollars. Any advice would be great.
Thanks,
Martin

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Thursday, May 31st, 2007 AT 3:07 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Steering wheel has to come off, takes special tools. Dealer can code it for you

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Thursday, May 31st, 2007 AT 5:41 PM

FAMOUSPOPS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Directly below where the key is in the ignition on the steering column there is a little circle hole plug. Pop it off and with a thin screw driver insert it into the hole and push up. While doing that you should be able to remove your key. Same thing happened to me. It works good luck

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Friday, February 1st, 2008 AT 1:24 AM

2CARPRO JACK