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OT: Key stuck in ignition

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Keith-OR

01-02-2005 20:35:39

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1995 Chev 2500 automatic, key is stuck in ignition
won't turn off, but will start motor. Will Not go into the off position so the key can be removed. Have tried moving gear shift back and forth, turning key extra hard. Nothing seems to work. Is there anyway to get it to move into the off position, Have to disconnect battery to kill engine. Never had this problem with any vehicle before. At a complete loose on this one. All suggestion will be greatly appreciated. Also anyone have any idea what will happen if I turn the key with pliers?? Whats is or will break?
Keith

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Keith-OR

01-03-2005 10:12:16

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

Thanks for the great responses, I think you have solved the problem.....And My MISTAKE..it is a GMC 4X4 diesel. I will do some checking this afternoon when I get time. Truck belongs to a friend. I just knew I would get the info off of here, since there is a great amount of knowledge and experience on this forum...
And "Thanks Kim" for the GREAT Place we can all come to share experiences and knowledge.
Again thanks everyone, Greatly appreciated!!! It will NOT be the last time I will be picking your brains for info either. Keith in Gods country.

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Eldon (WA)

01-03-2005 09:50:05

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

Am having a similar problem with an 02 GrandAm, but the problem started out not being able to turn the key to start the car. I also noticed that the steering wheel was not locking. Last night the key didn't want to go all the way in...loaded it up with WD40 and now the key won't come out. Took the opener fob off and leave the key in the car for now. GrandAm has the ignition in the dash - anyone know what locks the steering wheel? I imagine it might be some sort of cable? Just out of warranty too :-(

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Mike (WA)

01-03-2005 08:04:53

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

I had the same thing happen to a GMC diesel van- but of course, with the diesel, I couldn't stop the engine by unhooking the battery. Wound up removing the engine cover in the van, reaching around the hot engine and clipping the wire to the solenoid that shuts off the fuel supply when you turn off the key. Couldn't get to it from under the hood without cutting off arm in the fan blades. Some fun. The problem was a worn out lock cylinder.

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John (C-IL)

01-03-2005 05:48:04

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

Had the same thing happen to my wife's Beretta, turned out that the linkage fron the key to the actual ignition swith at the bottom of the steering column had broken. It wasn't a difficult or expensive fix.

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FarrrviewSouth

01-03-2005 04:30:52

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

I can only speak for a Jimmy I did last winter. Same symptoms. A small rubber plug just below the key will reveal where you can use a pen to move up a switch to remove the key. The issue was the solenoid located on the shifting handle as said below. It was a dealer part that came with handle and all. As I recall, three mounting screws and a plug in wiring harness. Several days to diagnois and 1 hour to fix once the part got in

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Larry in CO

01-02-2005 22:33:41

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

Keith,

I had that same thing happen to my 2000 Jimmy. The selinoid failed that tells the switch the gearshift is in park. The Jimmy had a hole in the steering column right under the ignition that you could push a ball point pen in. This would allow the key to turn to the lock position until you could get the selinoid replaced. Check to see if there is a hole in your steering column. Larry

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Bob

01-02-2005 22:25:11

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

The LOCK CYLINDER (NOT the igntion switch) commonly fails on these, and acts just as you describe.

To repair it (replace the lock cylinder) the steering wheel, and locking plate mechanism must be removed to access a screw that holds the lock cylinder in place. Then it is a simple matter to pull the cylinder out and replace it with a new one, and reassemble the lock plate and steering wheel.

You might want to check with a locksmith, and get an estimate on replacing it on-site, and comparing that to a tow to the dealer's. (If the locksmith works on those.)

... I was just going to post this, and realized the 1995 column is quite a bit different than the 1994 and down, but I believe the advice above is still probably accurate, and that it is likely the lock cylinder itself rather than the switch.

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Bob

01-02-2005 22:22:45

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

The LOCK CYLINDER (NOT the igntion switch) commonly fails on these, and acts just as you describe.

You might want to check with a locksmith, and get an estimate on replacing it on-site, and comparing that to a tow to the dealer's. (If the locksmith works on those.)

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mattd

01-02-2005 20:46:35

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to Keith-OR, 01-02-2005 20:35:39

you probably tried pushing and pulling on it while turning. try turning the steering wheel and turning the key. some vehicles have a thing where if you turn the steering wheel it'll lock up until you put the key in to start it. that might be jamming up. if that doesnt work i would take it to the dealer. but they will probably tell you need a new switch. when i rolled my pickup i couldnt turn the ignition off and used a pair of pliers while that shut off the motor i couldnt get the key off and had to but a new ignition switch.

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Keith,OR

01-02-2005 22:03:15

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Re: OT: Key stuck in ignition in reply to mattd, 01-02-2005 20:46:35

that is what I will probably have to end up doing. But lets hope not. Steering wheel won't go into the lock position, can't even get it to go to the off. Tried moving the wheel and shifter, thought maybe someone had a trick that would work. Thanks for the info, if all else fails will just break it!!! PUNT
Keith

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