Ignition key lock problems

BILLK

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
3.4L
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

When trying to remove the key from the ignition it will not come out. We have to turn the ignition on and off repeatedly, play with the shifter, sometimes for several minutes. This seems to be a common problem with no concrete answer as how to correct this. Some say to replace the lock cylinder with tumblers and others talk about sensor replacement. Many posters say that the problem continues after expensive repairs. Is there a sensor, such as a neutral safety switch or other sensor that causes this problem? Any help would be appreciated.

Thursday, February 13th, 2014 AT 8:20 AM

1 Reply

HOMER1967

MECHANIC
875 POSTS

I have an across this issue a few times, two times it was the lock cylinder and three times it was a low voltage condition caused by a faulty BCM (body control module). The most important thing you can do right now is make sure that your battery is fully charged and has at least 12.6 volts, or you could try hooking up a jump box to it and see if that helps. If the battery has good voltage. Tthen it requires some pretty extensive testing and equipment to determine whether it is the lock cylinder or BCM. But make sure of the battery condition before you go any further.

If everything checks out here is the ignition switch replacement diagrams below.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers

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