Key stuck in ignition

The past couple of days, my car has not wanted to let me get my car outta the ignition, so I've had to mess around with it, to finally get it out. I asked my Uncle to take a look at it, he said he would, but he didn't that day, instead he told me it was either; a) the car wasn't in park *which is possible, but seeing as how I have power locks, and I never let myself out, the car will not unlock unless done by hand, without the car being in park and shut off. So, that's not possible in my case* or b) bad key. He told me to try the spare key...I did....and what do ya know? The key IS still stuck in the ignition, and has been since Tuesday *5/23*! I had to unhook the battery to get it to shut off!

I'm guessing it was bound to happen with either key *neither key is made; they're both original*.

My question is...what could this be? My Uncle's talking about replacing the whole steering column. Is that the problem?

A few extra tidbits....the key WILL shut off the engine, but the interior warning lights will stay on. So, as to not run my battery dead, my Uncle has disconnected it...until he can fix it.

So, basically, I'm stuck without my car, and having to drive my Mom's *when's she's home from work, which is almost never* '03 Cavalier...plus, I 'stole' a Sunfire off of my Uncle's used car lot. *so, I didn't steal. He lent it to me.*

Any help...I'll be grateful. I'm just a 19 y/o girl, without any car knowledge...'cept for how to drive them...so...I'm not very good at describing certain things...however, I think you should be able to gather enough info to assist..if not..leave a message, and I'll try to elaborate a bit more! Thanks!

Sounds very much like the lock cylinder to me. Could be the ignition switch also. Since you didn't give a year of your ride, the following links are just a guess for you.

BTW, can ya remove the key from the cylinder? If you can, does the car still run, or not completely shut off? [meaning, the warning lights stay on on the dashboard]. Sometimes, a good spray of silicone lube into the key slot will free things up.

Sounds very much like the lock cylinder to me. Could be the ignition switch also. Since you didn't give a year of your ride, the following links are just a guess for you.

BTW, can ya remove the key from the cylinder? If you can, does the car still run, or not completely shut off? [meaning, the warning lights stay on on the dashboard]. Sometimes, a good spray of silicone lube into the key slot will free things up.

Opps, sorry about that...1996 Pontiac Grand AM SE.

No, I cannot remove the key from the cylinder. It'll turn to between on and off, with the warning lights staying on. Sure, I can drive the car, but I'd have to have someone come and unplug my battery every time or let it run dead, so I prefer not to for now. I hope I answered your questions.

Reedit: My Uncle just called me, so I guess the locksmiths are coming out on Tuesday. They said most likely it's the ignition switch. So, we shall see. Do you have any idea about how much this'll cost me; a ball park range? Also, what exactly is the SRS system? I guess I have it, because it says so on my dash...? Dumb car girl here, sorry! :lol2:

SRS is for your airbags, it might be tripping because of the switch. Also, if the locksmith can get the key out of the ignition, or you can, see if your local dealer or the locksmith can cut you a new key from the key number on the cylinder. Keys do wear out, and I had to get a new one cut from the dealer near me.

Almost forgot, its much much cheaper to get a key made, the dealership here charged $10, versus a new ignition cylinder... Just a thought

Almost forgot, its much much cheaper to get a key made, the dealership here charged $10, versus a new ignition cylinder... Just a thought

Yeah, I agree. However, I have two original keys *one was never used* along with just an extra that I had made at walmart. I have the one I always use with me, the one *original* that I never used is the one that's stuck. So, keys aren't really helping me right now. I'll go with the cylinder...and hope that that's the last thing I'll need for now *well, I need two new interior lightbulbs and brakes, which I should get Tuesday, as well.*

I'll let you guys *I'm assuming your guys. If not, sorry, just think of guys as 'you guys,' meaning guys and girls* know what happens on Tuesday. Thanks for taking the time to reply to my problems!

Do you have to push a button to get the key to turn off? I do on my 95, but they changed a bunch of interior stuff in 96

Do you have to push a button to get the key to turn off? I do on my 95, but they changed a bunch of interior stuff in 96

Not in mine, no. Although, I have heard that before. Have you had any major problems with yours? This is my second 'major' problem. The first was I had to replace the speedo sensor *$130.*

Ok keep in mind my car has 235000 miles on it with a quad-4. I've owned the car for 5 years. I have done: both mufflers, front wheel bearings, front and rear brakes, a clutch, water pump, radiator, heater core and all hoses, a battery, an alternator, a power steering hose, and had the engine replaced. The engine replacement was caused by an oil changing facility that charged me for synthetic oil and in fact did not use synthetic oil, which resulted in the destruction of a motor. Brakes, exhaust, clutch, etc. is all wear and tear, things do fall apart after a while. I am lucky as I am able to do most of the work myself, so labor is not killing me, just the cost of soap to clean up.

Ok keep in mind my car has 235000 miles on it with a quad-4. I've owned the car for 5 years. I have done: both mufflers, front wheel bearings, front and rear brakes, a clutch, water pump, radiator, heater core and all hoses, a battery, an alternator, a power steering hose, and had the engine replaced. The engine replacement was caused by an oil changing facility that charged me for synthetic oil and in fact did not use synthetic oil, which resulted in the destruction of a motor. Brakes, exhaust, clutch, etc. is all wear and tear, things do fall apart after a while. I am lucky as I am able to do most of the work myself, so labor is not killing me, just the cost of soap to clean up.

How many miles was on yours when you bought it? And do you drive mostly local or in and out of state. I live in the PA area, and most of my driving is local, along with trips once or twice a week to WV for my shots. Ohh, and mine had 122,000..now, it's 127,000 plus..something or other and I've had mine since Nov. '04.

I guess I'm pretty lucky. My Uncle has a used car lot, in my front yard..so I get to drive a lot of the cars from the dealership where he buys them back to his lot. So, I have first pick. And I have seen many nice cars..but I always choose my GA over the others. I think it's a look and feel thing...along with my age and car insurance..so I'm perfect with that now.

Most of my family consists of men, so the soap thing is a give in here. I'm used to seeing dirty men..and thinking 'I don't mind getting dirty, but no way will I for this stuff!'

Mine had 103000 when i got it, I've been to Montreal a bunch of times, and I go skiing alot, which is usually a 200 mile round trip, depending on where we go.

Heres what you need to do. If you can turn in key into the on position. you can get the lock cylinder out yourself. Just remove the cover on the steering column. Should be some screws or small bolts on the bottom. Turn the key in the on position. Look on the side of the lock cylinder that faces the dash. There should be a small tab. Press it in and pull the cylinder out. OK now go to a junkyard. Find a lock cylinder that will work in your car. Just look for grand ams around your year. You should be able to find one. If you find one and not sure about if it will work, just get the year , make and model and call the dealer to find out if it will work. Well if it will and there is no key to remove the lock cylinder, write down the VIN and take it to the dealer. They will cut you a new key. I had this done, its like $8. Go back and get the lock cylinder, remove it (just stick it in your pocket) and install in your car. Now you'll only have about $8 plus your gas and time to do this. If it fixes your problem, alot cheaper than what the locksmith will charge you. If it don't fix, your not out much.

Oh yeah and you probably won't get dirty doing this too.

Oh yeah and you probably won't get dirty doing this too.

Not worried about getting dirty. I just hand washed/waxed my car top to bottom, inside and outside...and I have a lot of accessories for my car, so it took me 3 hours just to finish...and in the hot sun, so I'm sure I'm pretty ripe right now...lol. I still had greasy hand prints all over my hub caps from my Uncle replacing the rotors last month. I don't know what it was, but it was really hard to get off..

I would do as you mentioned about the junkyard...but I don't know anything about what's what. Just going by what my Uncle said, and he can fix certain things, but he's no good when it comes to locks...so I'll just have to spring for more money..

Thanks for your input, though. Have a great holiday!

Ok. It wasn't the lock cylinder. The locksmith said it has something to do with a cord/wire that connects from the tranny to the ignition that is either stretched/broke, and the ignition is reading the car as if it wasn't in park.

The locksmith took 5 mins or less to check it out....and charged me $25. I guess it could be worse, and if you hire a pro, it's all about the moola.

Anyone ever heard of this...or know the rightful name of such a part...or know how much/how complicated it is.

there is a cable that goes from the shifter inside the car to the ignition switch that allows it to be turned on and off if the car is in park. its probably a dealer only item, and to change it the cover has to come off the steering column, the shifter console has to come out, and anything else that is in the way has to come out as well. there is a way to adjust the cable as well, but its something i have never done.. anyone out there done one of these yet?

there is a cable that goes from the shifter inside the car to the ignition switch that allows it to be turned on and off if the car is in park. its probably a dealer only item, and to change it the cover has to come off the steering column, the shifter console has to come out, and anything else that is in the way has to come out as well. there is a way to adjust the cable as well, but its something i have never done.. anyone out there done one of these yet?

Wasn't that, either. It's fixed now. It was some kinda switch; it's replaced now. I think it might have been some kinda switch in the transmission that connects to the ignition. Or something. Beats me. But it's working now, and I'm beyond happy. Now, to buy some replacement bulbs for my gauges and new brakes/rotors.

Thanks for you guys help. I'm sure I'll be back...before too long...*sigh*