Key stuck in ignition....Please help!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 74
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Key stuck in ignition....Please help!
I have been having trouble with my key when I go to pull it from the ignition recently. I guess it has gotten worse over time. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it. As of now the key is stuck in the car and Im worried because it makes it pretty easy to steal. I dont want to drive it anywhere its out of my sight. Any suggestions would really help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 878
Likes: 2
If you have a manual i think it has to be in reverse to remove the key. If an auto there's a cable from the trans to the column that prevents the key from being removed if you're not in park. Try moving your shifter and jiggle your key at the same time. It could also be your lock mechanism has dropped a tumbler. A locksmith can replace it for your or you can pull the steering wheel and replace it yourself. You'll need a wheel puller and a GM lock plate removal tool to remove the compression spring on the column.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-LOC...TOOL,2051.html
Here's a video. All gym cars are the same for decades.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-LOC...TOOL,2051.html
Here's a video. All gym cars are the same for decades.
Last edited by LoneStarV; Mar 10, 2013 at 07:56 PM. Reason: error
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,389
Likes: 2,741
If it'd just a "rotate to lock" that isn't working many times if you just use a 1/4 can of contact cleaner to "flood" the ignition cylinder you can manage the fix. Once cleaned if it's now functional just give it some "graphite lock cylinder lubricant" no WD40 or the likes. I wouldn't rush to the ignition cylinder replacement unless you actually needed to. There's other issues that can certainly be there also.
You might want to mention the year, the car and the transmission type! I meant for that to be the "first comment"!!
You might want to mention the year, the car and the transmission type! I meant for that to be the "first comment"!!
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 10, 2013 at 08:42 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Try this. Start the car. Put it in neutral. Then park but when it goes in park listen for it to lock. This happened to my ex gf's dad haha sometimes it won't lock into park and the vehicle thinks its in another gear other than drive
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 802
Likes: 69
From: Tulsa Ok
My 90 ZR-1 has the same issue.
6 speed..
tried putting in reverse, turning steering wheel, contact cleaner..
no luck..
key and ignition will go from access, run, start....just not to off...
Locksmith said looks like the rack that is inside the steering wheel..;-/
anyone heard of this?
6 speed..
tried putting in reverse, turning steering wheel, contact cleaner..
no luck..
key and ignition will go from access, run, start....just not to off...
Locksmith said looks like the rack that is inside the steering wheel..;-/
anyone heard of this?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
My 90 ZR-1 has the same issue.
6 speed..
tried putting in reverse, turning steering wheel, contact cleaner..
no luck..
key and ignition will go from access, run, start....just not to off...
Locksmith said looks like the rack that is inside the steering wheel..;-/
anyone heard of this?
6 speed..
tried putting in reverse, turning steering wheel, contact cleaner..
no luck..
key and ignition will go from access, run, start....just not to off...
Locksmith said looks like the rack that is inside the steering wheel..;-/
anyone heard of this?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,389
Likes: 2,741
My 90 ZR-1 has the same issue.
6 speed..
tried putting in reverse, turning steering wheel, contact cleaner..
no luck..
key and ignition will go from access, run, start....just not to off...
Locksmith said looks like the rack that is inside the steering wheel..;-/
anyone heard of this?
6 speed..
tried putting in reverse, turning steering wheel, contact cleaner..
no luck..
key and ignition will go from access, run, start....just not to off...
Locksmith said looks like the rack that is inside the steering wheel..;-/
anyone heard of this?
#21 is the actuator rod to the ingition switch:
The upper most piece of the rack and the small pinion are part of the same parts package. GM # 7844651 If the rod has failed I believe you'll need to cannibalize one.
This is what you get:
There's a spring in there that also aids the return of the nylon pinion. If it's actually a cylinder, you need a cylinder and at least one key. Your current ignition keys will no longer be of any use. The M6 lock cylinder is more expensive than the A4 - the button release!
A steering column lock cylinder, rack and other parts aren't that challenging, if you do your own maintenance you might consider it. There's many good tutorials around with snapshots. Not time for them yet maybe! Do you have the FSM?
Last edited by WVZR-1; Mar 13, 2013 at 05:09 PM.
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Greenville IN
Guys, I know this is an old thread, but I try to do searches before asking the same question.
I have this same problem on my '87 auto trans car, the key won't come out. I've also noticed that the button on auto gear shift does not fully come upward when I put it in park. Is the problem the cable that is mentioned in the 2nd post?
Thanks for your help.
I have this same problem on my '87 auto trans car, the key won't come out. I've also noticed that the button on auto gear shift does not fully come upward when I put it in park. Is the problem the cable that is mentioned in the 2nd post?
Thanks for your help.
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 178
Likes: 3
From: Pensacola FL
Guys, I know this is an old thread, but I try to do searches before asking the same question.
I have this same problem on my '87 auto trans car, the key won't come out. I've also noticed that the button on auto gear shift does not fully come upward when I put it in park. Is the problem the cable that is mentioned in the 2nd post?
Thanks for your help.
I have this same problem on my '87 auto trans car, the key won't come out. I've also noticed that the button on auto gear shift does not fully come upward when I put it in park. Is the problem the cable that is mentioned in the 2nd post?
Thanks for your help.
Try bumping the shift lever towards park and see if it will pop up all the way. Bump it hard. Probably cable is worn or out of adjustment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
87disco
If you need to adjust the shifter cable itself, its really easy.. just did it.If you need to look at a FSM, I have one and will be home starting the 13th on vacation. (I am a semi driver so staying home is great.) I live in Avon, very near the dragstrip by Brownsburg,where the run the US Nationals.
If you need to adjust the shifter cable itself, its really easy.. just did it.If you need to look at a FSM, I have one and will be home starting the 13th on vacation. (I am a semi driver so staying home is great.) I live in Avon, very near the dragstrip by Brownsburg,where the run the US Nationals.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 178
Likes: 3
From: Pensacola FL
When going back together, make sure the shift indicator slot goes back on the shifter pin. It will shift fine but the red indicator line will not move to the proper gear position in the plastic window and you will have to take it apart again. Ask me how I know?
Once you get it apart you will understand how it works.