Why would a key get stuck in the ignition of a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Question

I have no power at all to the car and the key is stuck in the ignition. Battery connections are good. Bad battery or alternator? It ran fine for me this morning, then I went to run somewhere and turned the key and nothing. It won't turn all the way back.

Answer 1

Hi.....there are several possible reasons. Unfortunately, lots of todays cars have more things on the steering column than older cars. Convieneince features usually, like wipers, cruise control, headlights, and radio volume knobs to name a few. Chances are, a wire broke or disconnected do to the tilt wheel, adjusting the steering wheel over time causes this. Keep trying to turn the key, not with too much force as to break it, but just gentle pressure back and forth. Your car may also have an ignition interlock, a little black chip on the key that prevents theft. Also, the tumblers in the lock my be out of line. If it were me, i would just keep trying to get the key out, or get the car started again. Good thing it happened at home, i'd hate to have to leave the key in it at the mall or something. I'd bet it was a broken wire. You might have to get it towed to your mechanic. He should be able to take off the bottom of the steering column, and trace the wires inside. Your problem happened to me last year, in my 92 Dodge Spirit. $75 for a new ignition switch, and $75 for it to be installed, plus the tow. He said my problem was caused by the tilt wheel system.........every time you put the wheel up, it pulls on the wires inside...........Good Luck!

Answer 2

CHRIS-----thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! I was having the same problem and I took a pair of pliars and removed that rubber boot that's over the shift knob.



Now everything works just like new!!! Saved me a bundle because I was ready to take it to a mechanic and I'm sure he would have told me I needed a new ignition and charged me a couple of hundred dollars!



Thanks Chris! You rock!

Answer 3

THe button you push on the shifter to shift from park to reverse,drive and what not is covered by rubber that gets loose and out of place when this happens it does not disengage completly. i t will not let you start it cause it doesn't think it is in park and it won't give you your key for the same reason play with the rubber pushing it around till it pops into correct place then you should b fine.

My 96 GP does it all the time

Hope this helps

Answer 4

Ok, there could be a couple of things wrong. First you have to be sure that there is proper battery voltage available. I would recomment that you completely remove the cables from the battery and see if there is any corrosion built up on the cable ends. If there is, you will need to scrape it off down to clean metal. If the cable ends are ok and you know for sure that you have 12volts I would bet the problem is in your ignition switch. I just fixed one doing the same thing last week. To get the key out for now, just remove the small plastic plug from the bottom of the steering column trim panel and insert a small pocket screwdriver (or similar) up into the hole, There is a small spring loaded solenoid that keeps the lock cylinder from turning in there. Push up to depress it and while it is depressed turn your key to the off position and it will come right out. Hope this helps you! (Note: there are a few other common things that will give you the no key off thing but they don't kill all electrical power.)