key won't come out of the ignition
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
key won't come out of the ignition
ok im driving home from my friends house, pull in my drive way throw it in park and reach for my key and try turning it to the off position and its stuck. so im playing with it trying to pull it out but its not bugging. so now my car is left in drive sitting in my drive way. lol
ANY IDEAS WHY ITS DOING THIS????????
ANY IDEAS WHY ITS DOING THIS????????
remove the small cover at the bottom of the column behind the wheel and push a white button to release the key
I would bet on the shifter having an issue....there's a metal contact on the passenger side of the shifter at the bottom that's not touching the switch....remove the cover to access this switch and move the switch contact until it releases the key....the only fix for this is a new shifter unfortunately due to a peg being broke/missing
I'm not saying this will fix your issue, but I'm trying to help you diagnose.
I would bet on the shifter having an issue....there's a metal contact on the passenger side of the shifter at the bottom that's not touching the switch....remove the cover to access this switch and move the switch contact until it releases the key....the only fix for this is a new shifter unfortunately due to a peg being broke/missing
I'm not saying this will fix your issue, but I'm trying to help you diagnose.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
remove the cover at the bottom of the column and push a white button to release the key
I would bet on the shifter having an issue....there's a metal contact on the passenger side of the shifter at the bottom that's not touching the switch....remove the cover to access this switch and move the switch contact until it releases the key....the only fix for this is a new shifter unfortunately due to a peg being broke/missing, unless you can somehow move the metal contact over its peg
I'm not saying this will fix your issue, but I'm trying to help you diagnose.
I would bet on the shifter having an issue....there's a metal contact on the passenger side of the shifter at the bottom that's not touching the switch....remove the cover to access this switch and move the switch contact until it releases the key....the only fix for this is a new shifter unfortunately due to a peg being broke/missing, unless you can somehow move the metal contact over its peg
I'm not saying this will fix your issue, but I'm trying to help you diagnose.
the button trick didn't work?
well, then you may have another issue like the ignition cylinder being froze up inside it's housing...another common problem
EDIT: another thing too, there was a recall on these for the shifter cables right? maybe it's not in park all the way and the cable needs adjustment
well, then you may have another issue like the ignition cylinder being froze up inside it's housing...another common problem
EDIT: another thing too, there was a recall on these for the shifter cables right? maybe it's not in park all the way and the cable needs adjustment
New Member
Joined: 09-06-09
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: gfuk
mine did that to all you have to do is turn the steering wheel back and forth and wiggle the key it comes right out what happens is the steering wheel locks up thus the key locks to its really simple its just another gm flaw
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
There is a recall for this they will ONLY replace the part once it's broken. It is a metal contact in the shifter, sometimes it is possible to jiggle it in park to get the key out, you will hear an audible click when you get it right going from drive to park.
when its just the park position switch (which is what the TSB is for), it should still allow the OP to turn the key to Accessory and turn off the engine....it just wont go all the way to Off and come out.
New Member
Joined: 09-03-06
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
To remove your key, just press the shifter button a few times. You will hear a click, and then you will be able to turn the key all the way back to remove it. It is a problem with the shifter.....I had mine replaced 2 years ago.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I have an 2008 Cobalt and i went to the dealer ship and they fixed it. my Tumbler retainer came out of the cylinder and it caused it to not turn back.. they fixed it for free, so if your car still gets stuck in the ignition send it in. its under warranty so y not!!!!
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 08-28-09
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
i think i found a link to help you out with the problem
http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice...93-gm-vehicles
http://www.ricksfreeautorepairadvice...93-gm-vehicles
Senior Member
Joined: 09-02-09
Posts: 4,210
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Automatic or manual?
I had that problem with my AUtomatic Dodge shadow,
and the principal would be the same in any car. Occasionly
it would not go all the way into park, and it would cuse the
key to get stuck. I would bump the shifter into park and
it would release the key.
Sometimes I'd have to turn the car on / off a few times to get
the key out, try that too, esp if your manual.
I had that problem with my AUtomatic Dodge shadow,
and the principal would be the same in any car. Occasionly
it would not go all the way into park, and it would cuse the
key to get stuck. I would bump the shifter into park and
it would release the key.
Sometimes I'd have to turn the car on / off a few times to get
the key out, try that too, esp if your manual.
I've seen this a half dozen times. MY car is manual and my ignition was stuck on, not even allowed into acc. they replaced the lock cylinder. The auto cars have a switch in the shifter that breaks contact as it wears. thus the key gets stuck. Anyways, good luck to the op, take it to the dealer.