Pontiac Repair: Ignition Switch & Shifter Lock., floor shift, column shift

Question
QUESTION: Hey Todd, I bought a 2002 Grand Prix/GT recently and I've noticed that it is possible to remove the ignition key without having the transmission in Park.  I'm not 100% sure if this is by design or if something has malfunctioned.  The shifter does lock when placed in park and you need to turn the key to unlock it.  Also, the "Apply Brake to Shift from Park" interlock system is working fine. Can you determine if this is normal and, if not, offer some suggestions as to how the ignition switch interlock works and where to look for the problem. Thanks --Colin

ANSWER: Hi Colin:
No you should not be able to remove the key while the shifter is in anything other then park. is it a floor shifter or a column shift car? The issue is going to be either with the key lock solenoid in the steering column or the switch for the solenid which is in the column if it's a column shift car of it at the base of the shifter if it's a floor shift car. On the floor shift cars the switches usually go and you can't get the key out when you shift it into park you have the other thing happening. Another thing that happens with the floor shift option cars is the wires break off inside the connector going to the floor shifter. To be quite honest with you I don't know why you would even feel the need to take the key out or turn the key off whil the car is driving down the road . It will not turn off by it's self you physically havwe to turn the key off to get it out. Good luck :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Todd,  It is a floor shift and I recognize the danger of leaving the transmission in neutral, drive or reverse when exiting the vehicle.  With respect to the column solenoid, can I assume its only function is to prevent the lock cylinder from rotating back to the "Lock" position until the transmission is placed it park?  Do you know if it's spring-loaded out or in and if it's controlled by the transmission selector switch?---Thanks again.

Answer
Yes it's just a sfety feature to prevent you from turning the key off whil the car is in gear. It's not spring loaded. It's a electrical solenoid with a plunger on it that actually jams the lock cylinder and prevents it from rotating back all the way. The solenoid is actuvated in gear which prevents the key from turning. It has nothng to do with the Brake transmission interlock to get it out of park with out steppng on the brake pedal. The only thing they have in common on that car is both switches are in the base of the shifter.