Pontiac Key Release Ignition Problem / Workaround / Fix

[eatmyfumes]

does anyone else have this issue in conjunction with the car not being able to shift out of park? the key stuck issue started at around 145,000 for me, then around 155,000 i occasionally wouldn't be able to put it in gear. now, it can't do a damn thing if i'm not sticking tweezers in its holes. seriously. this car's a slut.

[canuckdeerhunter26]

this has been driving nuts!!! thanks

[mlsmith619]

You're a life saver! Thank you!

[thisisntmarie]

WOWW THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

[HunterCampbell1997]

Btw hers is a 96

[HunterCampbell1997]

Thanks my sister loves me for this

[gr3en21]

@HunterCampbell1997 She should love me! =]

[860125mwj]

@gr3en21 lol

[860125mwj]

I have a 2000 se with this problem but I managed to get around it. I still cant figure out why theres water on the passenger side floor when it rains sometimes. American cars are really cheap quality.

[gr3en21]

@860125mwj I'd check to see if there is leaves under the plasitic vent by the windshield. If its been parked under trees a lot it could be plugged up. That or your heater core is leaking...

[860125mwj]

@gr3en21 I got the car of a guy for 2100. It had 110000 miles when I got it and now it has 119000. When it rains it does not always happen which is the puzzling part. When I drive I can sometimes hear a swooshing sound coming from in between the dash board and the windshield. I dont park under trees much either.

[sweard2010]

Thank you for this....worked like a charm!!

[kceagle2]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[smg267]

Thank you!!!!! Wish I found this before I tore apart my console. I like the others had a purple wire break. 175000 miles! I am working on fixing the harness but this is a great back up.

[stnwllstv]

My car has this problem too.The best thing to do to fix it and all other problems with GM cars is run the pieces of shit off the nearest cliff.There is no excuse for the seemingly endless list of stupid little parts that are constantly breaking on GM cars.This BTSI problem has been rampant in several GM cars and trucks for at least a decade now and they still have not fixed it.Unbelievable.It might as well be a rattling,blue smoke-blowing Chrysler.

[dardendo]

thank you sir!

[ronnygreen]

Thank you for posting this video. It worked for me and I got my key back. I can now sleep peacefully tonight! The video was very easy to understand.

[MIKECRITE99]

00 grand prix, will it still work if car is running, i cant turn my car off becasuse the key is stuck in that position

[gr3en21]

@MIKECRITE99 Interesting. If your unable to turn your key when the car is running, I think you have some other issue that is preventing your key from being removed from the ignition. How are you able to turn off your car if your unable to turn your key off? If I understand what you said correctly.

[dgrimmick]

Had this problem months ago. It stopped doing it until today. Watched this and I'm all set. I drive a 97 grand am. Sadly I have to take off the plastic bottom to my steering wheel, since I don't have a piece leading to the hole. Lucky prixs :). Thanks a lot!

[leproso6]

but my 01 grand prix wont get out of park. i used the shift release button but wht is the problem

[2011gameon]

ive had the same problem with my 03 grand prix the way i got around it was soon as its in park quickly but gentlly turn the key iall the way back towards you then turn it forward one click. took a while till i figured that out so many times i sat there trying to get my key to come out

[gearkat]

this isn't a fix - at least in my 02 Grand Prix two wires between the ignition solenoid and the console solenoid had snapped, breaking the wire. The only thing that works i this situation is to use the tab under the ignition on the steering column to remove the key. To replace the wire harness is $83 at gmdirect, around a minimum of $120 + labor at a repair shop. I am working on a much cheaper solution.

[gr3en21]

@gearkat This is a video that decribes the issue, what you can do to get around it (workaround) and how to go about a proper fix.

[gearkat]

@gr3en21 No, your playing with the gear shifter is a work around also. If those two cables are snapped, that will not work. The gear shift needs to 'talk' to the ignition telling it when it is in park. If those wires are snapped, no talking. People slam the car in park because GM is cheap and put in a 'just long enough' wire that will snap over time due to the tight fit placed across the wire. As soon as the parts I need come my video will show how to fix this wire problem.

[gr3en21]

@gearkat Wonderful.

[dafan222]

this is a great an simple fix until u can afford to fix it it does work, I have a 99 grand gt with this problem an it works!!

[smoove74]

omg!!! thank you !! you just saved my some loot!!! thanks again!!

[frosty9595]

I had this problem and got sick of having to release it so when I was replacing my ignition switch I just never put the damn lock solenoid back in. Im not stupid enough to turn the key off and remove it (which locks the steering wheel) while driving so it wasn't really a needed "safety" function for me.

[alexkelley20]

Nice!! Tried this lastnite and it worked like a charm. Quick question so whats the final solution to a permanent fix for this? What do I have to replace you never mentioned what has to be replaced in the video. Thanks again!!!

[gr3en21]

@alexkelley20 There are two possible things that are junk. The shift lock solenoid, which is the clicking noise, or its the BTSi. The BTSI ( Brake Transmission Shift Interlock), this sadly is the whole shifter assembly. Which isn't cheap. The one thing you can try is to pop your center console apart and spray the BTSI with a lot of contact cleaner. I did that and haven't had a problem in over 2 years.

[Amnak08]

OMG I LOVE YOU!! ur a lifesaver :) thankss so much

[gr3en21]

@Amnak08 :)

[theoutsider1989]

Thanks for this video. I bought my '99 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and this started happening. I was beginning to think that it was a piece of shit... Thanks again.

[Reel785]

omg awesome THANK YOU!!!

[gr3en21]

@Reel785 

[liz88101]

This video is so helpful. Thank you so much!!!!

[urrrlacher54]

Thanks for posting this I had this happen just tonight and was worried about the bat drain this worked perfectly

[gr3en21]

@urrrlacher54 Kewl, glad it helped you out.

[ZIMMARI]

Thank you so much. My key has been stuck in the ignition for a while now. Just tried it and my key came out. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gr3en21]

@ZIMMARI Celebrate!

[respectthechronic420]

thanks for the information....you're awesome!!!

[gr3en21]

@respectthechronic420 Your welcome.

[germyname]

Very helpful. I almost replaced the key cylinder on my 2000 Grand Prix until I saw this. I've got a screwdriver in the car for when I can't turn the key until I have time to get at the real root cause. Thank you for posting sir.

[gr3en21]

@germyname No problem.

[hellapritti]

We just tried this. Worked right away!

[gr3en21]

@hellapritti I'm glad it worked. =)

[EdwinElizee]

Dude i owe you one I thought my Key was stuck for good Thank you God bless

[gr3en21]

@EdwinElizee Anytime.

[zeek843]

My keys have been stuck in my car for about 2 months now, and I was reading up on this, and considering getting the ignition keyslot replaced, but then I seen this video, went to my car, and spent 15 seconds on getting my keys out. Thanks!

[gr3en21]

@zeek843 Glad I could help.

[gr3en21]

@whoisjakelambert Your welcome.

[Coyote14ns]

This was very useful , thanks bro!

[gr3en21]

@Coyote14ns Anytime man. Good luck.

[jasonmk9396]

Dude, I feel like I need to buy you a beer or something.  This saved me. Thanks!

[wbltrack07]

props to you sir.  thanks!

[gr3en21]

@wbltrack07 You bet.

[darknigt2007]

thanks a lot you save my pontiac from getting the key stuck because right now my parents are going through problems with their car. thanks a lot! : )

[jgreenleaf18]

Man you saved my ass My bravada was doing the same thing. This video is a life saver. thanks

[evan4607]

I have the same problem with my grand prix. But I found an easier way to release the key. Just reach your hand under the opening in the steering column until you feel a lever push the lever in and it releases the key. :)

[rob16875]

Thanks bud!! my keys get stuck once in awhile and i knew there was a button but didnt know where, now i do, thanks!

[djdsf]

I have a Pontiac G5 2009, My car is currently on. I can see the thing on the botom, but I do not see what to turn. what is the thing I should turn to get it to shut off?

[gr3en21]

@djdsf I wish I could help you, but I don't have any experience with any ignition problems other than on the 97-03 Grand Prix. I really wish I could help you out. Try Google. It's your best friend. I'm sure there are other people that can tell you what the problem is that you are experiencing.

Sorry, hope you figure it out.

[gqs2002]

gr3en21 :: I can't thank you enough for that. I have a 2000 GTP that started this fun about a year ago. Found out shortly after that leaving the key in the ignition burns out the low charge on my battery. I have been using my patented "Scream and Freak" method ever since but my vocal cords are shot. This will allow me to get back to competing in yodeling competitions in the near future. Thanks.

[marydroelle]

Ignition problem has been happening for weeks now. Was quoted $175-$225 to replace it. Can't do that till maybe next payday. So I just found my lost TRUNK key. I put THAT key in to turn the cylinder, then rip it out of there and replace that key with the ignition key. Has worked everytime so far.

[SULLALEOLUKE]

Well gr3en21 it's been a minute and i actually ended up having to put my grand prix in the shop because it turns out that the tumbler was bad. So i had to get a key lock cylinder w keys and put her in the shop to get fixed. All total it cost me $205. Not bad but alot for me. But now it works great now i have to get the plugs and wires changed cause it runs ruff now. I think i might try to do the plugs myself. Thanks for ur help.

[gr3en21]

Glad to hear you got it working, sorry it wasn't as cheap as you'd like it.

The plugs you shouldn't have a hard time with.

Easiest way to do it is, remove one wire, and one plug, replace the plug and wire with the new one, less of a chance to get the firing order messed up.

Good luck man.

[babeuber]

This worked for me - thank you so much! Hoping this is the 1st and last time that I have to go through having my key stuck in my 01' Pontiac Grand Prix (X)

[gr3en21]

Glad to hear.

Good Luck!

[SULLALEOLUKE]

i hav a 2001 grand prix gtp supercharger, and my key is stuck in the on position, it will not start, turn back or come out. And the steering wheel is not locked.I hav tried everything, the shifter, the release button in the column, turning the wheel tapping the key, moving it side to side, it is frozen in place. PLEASE PLEASE help me i havnt went anywhere in 2 days and i missed work today. I can't afford to have it fixed times are too hard already. Please help me.

[gr3en21]

@SULLALEOLUKE First question, is the car in park? Because if your unable to release the key it maybe because your shifter isn't in park. Second, your unable to start the car at all? Key won't move in either direction? Also, you can try putting power back to the car, and then retry to get your key out of the ignition. Let me know, i'll try to help you, but I can't promise anything.

B.

[SULLALEOLUKE]

Everything works perfectly fine i'm going to see if it's the battery someone told me that the battery being low will lock the keys in the ignition. I'll let you know thanks so much for responding.

[gr3en21]

@SULLALEOLUKE Your welcome. And yes a weak battery can cause this issue also. Since there is very low current. Good Luck.

[SULLALEOLUKE]

I hav a 2001 grand prix gtp supercharger, my key is stuck in the on position, it will not turn back or come out and the steering wheel is not locked.I hav tried everything, the shifter, the release button inside the column, turning the wheel EVERYTHING. I finally had to disconnect the battery to sav the power. PLEASE PLEASE help me i hav'nt been able to go anywhere 4 2 days and today i missed work. It's like its frozen in that position, I can't afford to get it fixed times are hard enough. HELP!

[Hellz420]

I find it odd how GM doesn't issue a recall for such a small fix. Most people end up having to leave the keys in the ignition with the doors unlocked while at a store. That's just screams STEAL ME! STEAL ME!. For GM to not issue a recall for such a widespread problem, I think I'm done with GM. There's been quite a few other small problems. And the transmission that comes with this car is a joke. Why on earth is there an insanely weak transmission in a SUPERCHARGED vehicle? Stupid GM...

[gr3en21]

@Hellz420 The reason they haven't or wont recall this is because there is no threat to a human life. Period.

Second, 4T65E-HD are installed in GTPs to handle the extra torque, compared to the NA 3.8 which is the basic 4T65E. If you are having problems with your transmission, you or someone was beating the hell out of it causing a premature failure.

Also, I remember correctly, in late 2000 they upgraded the input shaft because it wasn't hardened, which ended up rounding the spline.

[MrSrh508]

i have a 1998 gp gt

[choontichan]

Ok, so its the coffee. Spilt coffee in the car, and some went down the shifter. 2 hours later, I couldn't get the key out of the ignition. Is there anyway to fix the problem the liquid has caused, or is it ruined for good now? What about when the liquid dries out?

By the way, this is a Jeep Liberty.

Thanks!

[gr3en21]

Liberty, huh? Have you tried to pull your console apart and clean it up, or better yet, has it dried yet? If it has had a chance to dry, and it still isn't working, I recommend to pull your console apart, with out breaking it, and go to your local NAPA, or where ever, and pick up a can of "Electrical Contact Cleaner". Beware, this stuff is highly flammable. And give your shift a good spray down in bursts, because you don't want to overly wet it.

[gr3en21]

#2. After it dries, run your shifter through the gears to see if your able to get your key out. You may have to spray it good a couple of times to see if its doing anything worth while.

Lemme know how you end up. Might help other people out there. :)

[choontichan]

Thanks for the info. Will attempt to pull the console apart this weekend. Unfortunately due to the cold, I'm sure the coffee will never dry, and its been stuck in there for days now! So you recommend spraying directly onto the shifter? Do you have any idea how easy this is to access once I have the console apart. Is this something I should be messing with, (ie is there a chance I'll make the situation worse?)

[gr3en21]

@choontichan Cold where you are too, huh? Yeah, take apart your console, and just spray your shifter down. I'm not sure what a Jeep looks like, but its gotta be semi-similar to every other car. If you are mechanically inclined you should be able to make 2 cents on how things work, and just start spraying all around, places you can see, and places you can't. Being that it's contact cleaner, it "shouldn't" effect anything, but more or less improve your situation. This stuff is made for electronics

[bidiheston]

what is the part that you are manually releasing know one at the auto parts stores seems to know what I'm referring to all they say is i need to replace the key cylinder because the tumblers are bad

[gr3en21]

@bidiheston Actually I highly doubt thats the problem. When you put your car into park the shifter has a device (BTSi) that tells your Shift Lock that it is safe to let the key out of the ignition. If the BTSi's contacts are dirty from soda/pop/coffee being split it isn't letting the Shift Lock know that it is in park. So when you are hitting the button, you are just manually releasing the key. There is no harm done doing this, it's just a pain.

[gr3en21]

@gr3en21 Also, there is a way to check to see what is bad before you go out and spend money on stuff you most likely don't need. Just let me know, and I will try to walk you through from memory.

[mjw1086]

hi i have a 98 gtp and my key is stuck. now if i hit the release button under the dash can i still start the car after?

[gr3en21]

@mjw1086 Yes, if you hit the release button under your steering wheel, you will still be able to start your car with your key. Hitting the button just enables you to actually pull your key out of the ignition.

[svanstuka]

My wife's 2006 Pontiac G5 has been having that problem on and off for months; yesterday the key wouldn't come out at all. The mech @ the Dealership had told her to do the slamming into Park thing. It made things worse, and yesterday it stuck the key in there for what we thought was forever. Your fix is a wee bit diff on a newr GM- it is a little white plastic button just above a black wire bundle. Thanks for the fix- YOU RULE!

[gr3en21]

@svanstuka No problem man, glad I could help you out and save you some cash for now. BTW this was done on my 01 GTP, so its a bit off your G5.

[svanstuka]

gr3en21: YOU ARE A GOD! My wife's '06 G5 has had the key stuck in it all day- I watched your video and inside of 5 min. I had the key out! this has been an on and off prob for a couple of months, but now we know we don't have to go to the Dealer (yet) to fix! In newer GMs you don't need to use a screwdriver, you look for a little white plastic button beside a wire and press it to release the key. warner4455 should have a look at your video-he has the same prob. THX from Winnipeg!!!

[gr3en21]

There is another way to diagnose this issue further so you don't get stuck buying parts you don't need.

This video was just sort of a round up the basic issue, and how you can get past it for the time being.

Lemme know if you want a bit more info on how to check things more before you go out and spend $400 bucks for a new BTSI, and shifter assembly... :)

[dredgemp]

Hi. My shop diagnosted the issue on my 99 Grand Prix GT as needing a new BTSI & and shifter assembly. Parts are $400 & the labors around 1.5 hours. If I buy a used BTSI & and shifter assembly, is it an easy fix for me to do? My shop overid the problem by just bypassing the BTSI solenoid. My key doesn't get stuck anymore, but my car dings when I open the door, without putting the key in the ignition, and my power door locks don't lock. They unlock, but don't lock. Please help. Thank you kindly

[gr3en21]

Sadly yes, that is the going rate of the BTSI since its the whole shifter assembly.

As far as buying a used one, I wouldn't unless its a good one and they can give you some sort of warranty on it.

Also, I have no idea what your shop did to make your car act like that, if it worked fine prior to them messing with it I'd have them put it back correctly and just manually hit the release button under your steering wheel.

There is another thing you can try, but they need to unbypass it. Lemme know

[hawkman2111]

thanks you probably saved me 100 bucks