Having Problems Removing Key

[ccacgrandam97]

Ok this started about a month ago and the problem has been looked at by my local shop and the guy has no answers and i really don't want to pay the dealership.


The problem is when i got to shut off the car the key will stick just before the point of removal and all the dash light will come on just like when u furst start the car......my local shop replaced the entire ignition thing and gave me a new key....now it is doing the same thing....

could this be a problem with the shifter where the car is not recognizing that the car is in park (i read that is possible for a cable telling the car that to size up sometime) or am i looking at a serious issue here?


I've also read about the solenoid under the steering wheel going bad? could that be my problem....the only thing is the steering wheel will lock once i pull the key out

[ccacgrandam97]

well i just found and used the trick with popping open the hatch under the sterring column an pressing the button seems to work exceptionally well

[mikem220153]

I am going to make an assumption that you have an automatic transmission. There is a solenoid on the shifter that allows the ignition switch to rotate to the off postition when you want to remove the key. If this solenoid goes bad or is sticking it will not allow the ignition lock to rotate to the off postition. I had this problem on my 97 GA. You may be able to spray some electrical contact cleaner into the solenoid and free it up. If not, you need to replace the shifter. The solenoid is permenantly mounted to the shifter so, replacing the solenoid may not be possible.

[red98grandamse]

hmmm ive had that prob off and on with my 98, and all i do is push that button you found, and then spray some white lithium grease in there, and its good for awhile, it seems as though the tumblers are sticking in my keys.. just a thought for ya...