Pontiac Repair: 2001grandprix/ignition and wiper pump problems, pain in the butt, junk yard

Question
hello.  my key will not release after shifting to park. it works sometimes, when i hear a click. when i don't hear the click, it won't come out. i've been sticking a pen in the hole underneath to get it out.  my dealership says it will cost $500 to fix!  i swear it can't cost that much.  is it okay to just keep ramming the pen in the hole? or will that eventually not work either?  and now my wiper fluid won't come out.  what could that be?  my dealership said that will cost $202!!  want to buy my car??:)

Answer
Hey Kelly:

The car needs a floor shifter assembly. the switch in the shifter that allows the key to be released as gone bad. It's a pretty common problem. Try getting a used one from a junk yard and have them put it in. And no sticking a pen in the hole will continue to work but it's a pain in the butt... The shifter assembly is pretty costly that's why a used one may be an option. The squirts more than likley needs a new pump The pump is not all that expensive maybe 50.00 and labor should be about a half hour so I would say maybe a $100.00 repair give or take if the pump is the problem. You may want to ask them if thye can put in an aftermarket pump it could save you a few $$$. good luck :}